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X 







THE SECRET SERVICE SERIES-NO. 13. 

-A. IMoiitlily I^eriodical, 

DEVOTED TO STORIES OF THE DETECTION OF CRIME 


Subscription Price, $3 Per Year. NOVEMBER, 1888. 

Entered at the Post Ojffice, New York, as Second-Class Matter. 


DARKE DARRELL, 


THE BOY DETECTIVE. 



/ 


^ ofconsJJ' , 

(-OPVRIGHf 

NO' 12 1P'’« ' 

O / 


FRANK H. STAUFFER. 


NEW YOEK: 

STREET & SMITH, Publishers, 

31 Hose Htreet. 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1888, 

By Street & Smith, 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. 



4 - 



DARKE DARRELL 


CHAPTER I. 

Al^- ERKIKG HUSBAND. 

Master Darke Darrell pushed open the door, then paused 
to shake the snow from his cap into the dark, carpetless hall 
behind him. 

It was ten o^clock at night. The room was dimly lighted. 
The snow was piled on the outside window ledge, and ob- 
scured the lower panes. 

By the stove, and in an arm-chair, and wrapped in shawls, 
shivered a woman of about forty years of age, with sallow 
“cheeks, feverish eyes, and pallid lips. The hands which 
drew the shawls closer to her, at sight and sound of the 
opening door, were wasted and white — so white that almost 
every blue vein could have been counted. 

The boy saw the movement, and hurriedly closed the 
door; then he crossed the room on tiptoe, a half sad, half 
sullen look on his face, which was not habitual to it. 

He was sixteen years old, but did not seem to be more 
than twelve, he was so diminutive. 

He was not dwarfed, but well-formed and bright-faced, 
with strength in his muscles, energy in his will, quick dis- 
cernfnent in eye and brain. He was poorly clad^ yet not in 


6 


DARKE DARRELL. 


rags, owing to his own pride of person, and the thriftiness 
of his mother, invalid though she was. 

He had in his hands an empty bottle, which he placed on 
the shelf where a clock stood and ticked, ere they had been 
forced to send it to the pawnbroker's. 

Darke, give me the medicine and a spoon,” reaching 
out her wasted hand, her voice low and weak. 

He stood heavily on his heels, and looked at his mother, 
his hands behind his back, his face growing more sullen. 

I didn't bring the medicine, mother.” 

Why not, Darke?” with a faint intonation of surprise. 

^^The druggist wouldn't trust. He .says we have got 
enough of medicine in that way.” 

Mrs. Darrell leaned back in her chair and sighed. 

The stingy old skinflint!” exclaimed Darke, with sup- 
pressed fierceness. I was tempted to smash the spectacles 
over his nose.” 

Darke!” sharply, reprovingly. ^^We do owe him, and 
it is not likely we'll ever be able to pay him. It was kind in 
him to oblige us as often as he did.” 

Oh, it wouldn't have broke him to have filled the bottle 
again,” growled Darke. And the medicine was doing you 
so much good.” 

I believe that it is helping me,” replied the invalid, 
her eyes on the sullen face of her son. Did you try else- 
where?” 

I'd have been refused, mother. Then, too, I hadn't 
the prescription.” 

^^Sure enough, Darke,” trying to forget her disappoint- 
ment. ^MVe'll get a copy of it, or ask Doctor Thorne to 
write us another.” 

Five pounds of lead pipe would have paid for the medi- 
cine,” observed the boy. 

^^Lead pipe!” repeated his mother, a little dazedly. 

^^Yes,” growlingly. ""That's the way Jeff Potter keeps 


DAEKE DAKRELL. 


7 


himself in small change. There^s an empty house over the 
way, and I saw the cellar window was open as I came by. 
Just that soon done,” with a wrenching gesture. 

She understood the gesture better than she did the words. 
A look of pain crossed her face. 

Darke, I^d rather starve than have you steal,” she said, 
solemnly, her lips quivering. 

It^'s meaner to beg,” he answered. It^s harder, any- 
how. 1^11 do either, or both, sooner than you shouldn’t have 
food and medicine.” 

^^No, Darke,” with a little shudder. Promise me that 
you will never steal.” 

He stood there, the moody look on his face. He brushed 
a few flakes of snow from his coat-sleeve, his lips tightly 
compressed. 

I^m weak from hunger now,” he said, but I ain^t car- 
ing for myself.” 

Darke, promise me that you will never steal,” anxiously, 
uneasily. It will be violating the laws of God and man. 
It will bring disgrace upon us both. You may be de- 
tected, arrested, imprisoned. What would become of me 
then?” 

The yearning look deepened in her feverish eyes as she 
watched him, the coal-oil lamp not burning so dimly that it 
did not light up his face. She saw that he was growing 
desperate. 

Promise me, my boy!” her voice, soft, sweet, pleading. 
^^It will do me more good than the medicine.” 

It was a little while before he spoke. 

I promise, mother,” doggedly, yet positively. 

Come here, Darke.” 

He obeyed, and she drew him to her and kissed him. 

I never knew Darke Darrell to break his promise yet.” 

It pleased him to hear her say that. 

Mother, I never felt so bad as I do to-night — like doing 


8 


DABKE DAERELL. 


bad and going to the bad, I mean. It"s nothing but ill- 
luck, day in and day out. If father wasn^t such a ” 

He was beginning to speak with vehemence, but his 
mother interrupted him. 

^^Hush, dear boy!'" her hot hand closing on his. ^^These 
outbursts pain me exceedingly, and I know you wouldn't 
willingly cause me pain. You must be patient, forgiving, 
prayerful." 

“You can be that, mother, but I can't. I'm no saint. 
It isn't in me to be good. I must give back blow for blow, 
and it seems to me everybody has a pelt at me," grimly, 
boy-like. 

“ Am I not patient, Darke?" 

“You!" strongly, with a sudden gush of tenderness. 
“You cash every draft on it, with a vaultful in reserve. It 
is your patience that makes me so restless. I cannot attain 
to it. Maybe I don't try.. I'd be crushed out. One's got 
to fight. This isn't Paradise; it's a wilderness. The rich 
thrive, and the poor might look for quails and manna until 
their eyes ached." 

“ Why am I so patient?" not heeding his irreverence. 

“Why?" pushing the damp hair from his forehead. 
“ Because you have built on the Eock." 

“ Yes, dear boy," her voice growing inestimably sweet, a 
saintly look irradiating her face. “ Bring that low stool, 
and rest your head in my lap. I want to talk to you. You 
will be much stronger afterward. It will be a different 
kind of strength. You will fight adversity all the more 
bravely, but with credit to yourself, with credit to me, with 
the approval of your Heavenly Father." 

He brought the low stool, seated himself upon it; then 
rested his head on her knees, his eyes lifted to her face. 

She spoke for half an hour about life's duties ^and life’s 
privileges, and the preparation needful for the life which is 


DAEKE DAKRELL. 


9 


to come, making her promise good, for, as he listened, he 
felt himself grow gradually stronger. 

The house was a miserable structure on Lee street, in the 
city of Baltimore, so near to the wharves that one could 
almost hear the flapping of the sails and the creaking of 
the cordage. 

The room was meagerly furnished, and indicated desti- 
tution, if not absolute poverty; yet there was, notwithstand- 
ing, an air of tidiness about everything. 

Mrs. Darrel leaned back in her chair, her eyes closed, 
her face white and serene, her right hand holding that 
of little Darke. 

Her talking had exhausted her; then, too, the wind 
had lulled, and the Are was burning more briskly; and 
so a sense of comfort had made her drowsy. 

Darke sat with his elbows resting on his knees, and 
stared vacantly in front of him, thinking of what his 
mother had said, thinking of the past, so full of suffering 
for him and for her, thinking of the future stretching 
drearily ahead, with its necessities and its struggles. 

Once or twice his face darkened, his eyes grew lumin- 
ous; a look so resolute came to his lips, that it made him 
look much older than he really was. 

Presently, a shuffling, stamping sound was heard in the 
hall; a sound of some person putting one foot down quite 
heavily, and the other quite softly. 

"'Mother, I hear one-legged Mike, the flag-man, in the 
hall,^^ Darke said. 

" What can be bringing him here?^^ Mrs. Darrell asked, 
rousing herself. 

The door opened, and in came a man with a wooden leg. 
He was clad in coarse clothes, and wore a slouch hat, set 
comically to one side, or, rather, looking comical, simply 
because his hair was so frowzy, and his face so wide and 
flabby. 


10 


DABKE DAEKELL. 


His eyes blinked like an owFs, and his mouth was so 
crooked, that, while one side of his face seemed to invite 
your confidence, the other side of it cautioned you to be 
chary in bestowing it. 

His name was Michael Mullen. He lived a few houses 
beyond, and was fiag-man at one of the railroad crossings, 
holding his position by reason of the loss of a leg, declared 
to have been caused by carelessness on the part of the rail- 
road comyany. 

He stopped near the stove. His placid cheek dwindled 
away, and his homely cheek distended — the result of the 
transfer of an enormous quid of tobacco from one side of 
his mouth to the other. 

saw John this morning, he announced. 

He meant John Darrell, Mrs. DarrelFs husband. Her 
face manifested no interest, and little Darke merely shot 
him a sullen glance. 

He’s gone to California,” added Mike. He asked me 
to mention it.” 

Mrs. Darrell gave a start, groaned, and lifted one hand 
to her quivering mouth. 

Darke sat erect, the luminous look once more filling his 
eyes. 

I wouldn’t worry,” advised Mike. It’s a good rid- 
dance of bad rubbish. He was no help to you. He was a 
worthless, drunken, overbearing fellow, at best. 

Mrs. Darrell groaned again, a pang of distress distorting 
her face. Master Darke saw it, and felt like resenting 
the insult, however much the epithets had been deserved. 
He arose, a menacing flash in his eyes. 

Mike, you sha’n’t talk that way to my mother about 
my father,” his voice husky, his manner excited. If it 
wasn’t that you’re a cripple, I’d tumble you out of here, 
neck over heels.” 

Mike grinned, the placid cheek swelling. 


DARKE DARRELL. 


11 


Listen to the bantam!’^ derisively. You couldn^t do 
it if I hadn't no legs at all." 

Darke stepped out, his hands clinched. Mike stood 
ready to ward off the blow. 

‘‘Darke!" his mother simply said. 

Very faintly spoken, yet something in the tone recalled 
him to himself. He sat down again, under strong restraint, 
his eyes gleaming out of the storm clouds on his face. 

“ He is all Mike said, however painful it may be to us to 
hear it," she said. 

“ I meant no offense to you, ma'am," apologized Mike. 
“ I fancied you'd look at it as a good riddance, for he didn't 
do anything toward keeping you, but expected you and 
Darke here to keep him. I'm no hand to carry bad news; 
but he asked me, and I promised, and I'm glad it's did." 

Off he went, muttering to himself, and needlessly 
slow in closing the door. 

Mrs. Darrell shivered, and once more drew the shawls 
about her. Darke rose, stood over her, and kissed her on 
the forehead. 

“Mother," chokingly, “I'll stand by you all the way 
through. I'll work my fingers to the bone." 

“ Darke," returning his kiss, her eyes tearless, her voice 
strangely steady, “I still have you left." 

“ And I’ll be a man," straightening himself, his cheeks 
hardening. 

“But — that fierce temper, Darke?" 

“I'll curb it, mother. It only breaks out when I'm set 
upon. Properly regulated, it will serve me well, I am 
sure." 

“ Eight, my boy," with a smile. “ Held in check, it is 
energy. A boy, or a man either, without temper, is an 
easy-go, vacillating fellow, readily imposed upon, of little 
use to himself or anybody else." 


12 


DAEKE DAERELL. 


CHAPTER II. 

A detective's requisites. 

Darke rose early the next morning. He was surprised to 
find his mother already up, an unusual thing for her. She 
was preparing breakfast, and went about it quietly and 
steadily, looking little like an invalid, so far as her move- 
ments were concerned. 

It promises to be a bright day, Darke," she said, a wan 
smile stirring her lips. Plenty of sidewalks need shovel- 
ing," suggestively. 

Sure enough, mother," his face brightening. I can 
earn a dollar before dinner, and that will more than buy 
the medicine. But, mother, I thought you would have 
fretted yourself quite sick," anxiously regarding her. 

That would not have been sensible, Darke. To sit still 
and pine would be wrong." 

Faith in Heaven's providences was sustaining her; but it 
was not that entirely. How that the worst had come, she 
was nerving herself to meet it. Her latent energy was 
aroused. 

Darke ate his breakfast, borrowed a shovel, and cleaned 
off sidewalks until noon, by which time the sun, and the 
competition of other hoys, had left no more work to solicit. 

He had, however, earned one dollar and twenty-five 
cents, and he was justly pleased at his success. He pro- 
cured the medicine and paid for it, handed the rest of the 
money to his mother, and then cast about him for other 
employment. 

In the street below, he met Jeff Potter, the hoy to whom 
he had referred, when mentioning the theft of lead pipe. 


DAEKE DAREELL. 


13 


He was flashily dressed; his neck-tie voluminous, his vest 
gorgeous, his coat two sizes too large for him. 

He was freckled and red blotched, with a cast in his eyes 
and a sneer on his lips. He smoked, drank, swore roundly, 
was never quite out of money, and always ready for any kind 
of villainy. 

Has the old man slept his load off, eh?^^ Jeff asked, 
with a leer. 

Father has gone to California, answered Darke, his 
cheeks flushed. 

^^Oh, he has!" with a low whistle. ^^ThaFs the last 
of Mm. What can he do out there? Why, he’d scarcely 
do to start a cemetery with. What’s your mother say?’’ 

Very little,’’ answered Darke, sententiously. 

Thinks lots. I’ll bet. Hasn’t cried her eyes out, eh? 
She’d be a fool, if she did. She looks pretty much to you, 
now, I guess.’’ 

Pretty much,’’ and Darke’s lips shook. 

A thoughtful look crept into Jeff’s freckled face, cun- 
ning and commiseration mingled with it. 

Darke, I wouldn’t mind helping you,’’ in an under- 
tone, looking at Darke a-down his cheeks, for he was a head 
taller than Darke. We’ve something rich and sure on 
hand to-night. Well set up, and no risks. I’ll tell you 
where our crib is, if you say it’s a go.’’ 

Darke looked steadily at him. 

Ho, Jeff,’’ he said, very gravely. I want to earn my 
money — in the day-time and honestly. I cannot bring dis- 
grace upon myself and grief to my mother.’’ 

^^Bosh!’’ growled Jeff. ^^You always was a little 
preacher. It’s the difference in a fellow’s mammy, no 
doubt. Mine winks at everything I do, and is quite glad to 
handle my money, whether fairly come by or not. It 
doesn’t pay to be honest.’’ 

On the contrary, it doesn’t pay to be c?whonest,’’ sol- 


14 


DAEKE DARRELL. 


emnly averred Darke. You’ll find that out, sooner or 
later.” 

When I’m playing checkers with my nose, eh?” grinned 
Jeff. I’ll take good care to keep out of limbo. Hush! 
That’s Rube Fenton, the detective.” 

A man passed them on the other side of the street, walk- 
ing briskly, yet seeing everything about him. He was 
neatly dressed, and glanced at his watch as he hurried by. 
The watch was gold, as the boys could see, for it sparkled 
in the sunlight. 

^^Is it good business to be a detective?” Darke asked. 

If you’re called to it,” replied Jeff. It’s a gift, and 
a low, mean business at best. Fenton’s got rich, not by 
exposing thieves, but by shielding them. It takes a thief 
to catch a thief, the saying is. If a detective who’s called 
doesn’t get rich, it’s his own fault; not that he lacks genius 
or opportunity, but because he’s over honest.” 

^^Do they not get a salary?” asked Darke. 

^^Pooh! They’d starve on that,” declared Jeff, ^^and on 
their commissions, too. It’s the private snaps that bring 
them in the tin. Whichever pays the most, whether the 
thief or the man who was robbed. A detective is no better 
than a thief. He is worse; he spies out, lays traps, breaks 
his word, betrays, buys and sells, blood-hounds or lets up. 
Never be a detective, Darke. If you are honest, you’ll 
find no money in it, and stand a chance of having your 
head blown off besides.” 

Presently the boys separated. Darke did not accept all 
that Jeff had said; his judgment was good, and he wasn’t 
to be influenced by anything that lacked consistency. He 
believed that there were honest detectives, who made a fair 
living. He saw how they could gain a competency, even, 
without wronging their fellow-men. 

^^I’ll be a detective,” he said aloud, to himself, uncon- 
sciously striking his hands together. 


DAEKE DABKELL. 


15 


An odd choice of a profession, perhaps; hut the idea had 
taken possession of him, and he could not get rid of it. 

Half an hour later saw him at the detective bureau, hat 
in hand, respectfully waiting to he heard. 

He had announced his errand, and a smile of derision 
had passed from lip to lip. 

The announcement had reached the ears of Mr. Vincent 
Marks, then chief of the force, and he now and then lifted 
his eyes from the papers in front of him, and surveyed the 
lad in a keen, estimating manner. 

The chief was a small, spare man, with sharp, twinkling 
eyes, overhanging brows, thick gray hair, nervous move- 
ments, quick in settling all claims upon his attention, low 
in speech, and constantly and habitually wary. 

‘^You want to be a detective?” Darke heard someone 
say. He gave a start, looked up, and there stood Mr. 
Marks. 

Yes, sir,” he promptly answered, and wondered how the 
chief knew. 

Why?” 

In order to maintain my mother,” replied Darke. 

^^That^s commendable enough,” decided Mr. Marks. 

Plenty of other avenues open, though. Men hardly ever 
serve an apprenticeship in this business, unless accumulat- 
ing experience can be called that. They take to it at once. 
It is an endowment, my lad.” 

Darke listened closely, looking squarely into the chiefs 
face. 

^f'VVell — maybe I have been called,” he said, quoting 
Jeff ^swords. 

Especially fitted, do you mean?” scanning Darke in a 
pleased way. Perhaps you are. Perhaps you can tell me 
some of the requisites?” 

Capacity is one,” ventured Darke. 

^^Too general,” declared Mr. Marks. Capacity is nec- 


16 


DAKKE DAKBELL. 


essary to every undertaking. Put on your studying cap 
again. 

Darke did not reply at once. He knit his brows heavily, 
and stared at his chubby brown hands. 

I can think of nine requisites, Darke said, at last. 

Distinct ones? What are they?^^ 

Keenness of observation, tenacity, reticence." 

Three, sir. Very good." , 

Bravery, cunning, adaptability." 

Three more. Adaptability to what?" 

To every circumstance that may occur." 

Well put. Go on, boy." 

Secrecy — a knowledge of human character and human 
depravity. To those may be added the control of the 
features, a knowledge of various languages, proper dis- 
guises, and the power to win confidence. I mean the con- 
fidence of other people." 

And of rogues in particular. You seem to know whaPs 
wanted. You named only eight leading requisites." 

^^Did I? Well, the ninth is — impudence." 

A laugh went round, for ofiicers and clerks had set their 
ears for the colloquy. 

Mr. Marks also laughed. He was agreeably impressed 
with the boy^s intelligence; his replies were prompt, but not 
consequential. 

Eight," he said. ^^It would have been polite to have 
called it assurance. Likely I will give you atrial." 

Darke’s eyes sparkled. 

What will be the pay?" he asked. 

That’s business," and Mr. Marks shrugged his shoulders. 

I’ll take you on at four dollars a week. Our office boy 
has left, and you can have his place. If you learn tel- 
egraphing (and that will test your aptness) your pay will be 
a good deal more. What is your name?" 

Darke Darrell." 


DAKKE DARRELL. 


17 


Suggestive! A great deal depends upon keeping darh. 
Come here to-morrow morning at seven o^clock. Your 
work will be to open and sweep out the office, make and at- 
tend to the fire, etc.^^ 

'^Fll be punctual, sir,^^ and Darkens eyes shone. 
thank you for your kindness." 

He bowed, then withdrew. 

I can make something out of that hoy," was Mr. Marks^ 
comment. 


18 


D ARKR DAEEELU 


CHAPTEE III. 

DARKE'S SUCCESS. 

Darke hurried homeward, brightness in his eyes, elasticity 
in his tread. The future did not look so dreary now, for 
rays of hope were illuminating it. 

He was surprised to find his mother busy sewing. On 
the window-sill rested a pile of vests, ready to be made up. 

You see, Darke," with a smile, I was determined that 
you should not be the only one earning something. 

He wondered where she had gathered so much energy of 
will, so much strength of purpose. 

You didn't go to the shop for those?" glancing at the 
clothing. Didn’t they ask security?" 

Doctor Thorne happened to call. He ordered them to 
be sent here." 

Mother," suddenly, earnestly, you shall have a sew- 
ing-machine. They can be got on easy installments." 

We'll not run in debt just now, Darke," her needle 
flashing in and out of the fabric. ^^What success had 
you?" 

Capital, mother," his face aglow. A situation in an 
office; four dollars a week, with an increase of pay by and 
hy/^ 

^^Why, that is something," in an encouraging tone. 

What kind of an office?" 

Mother, I am going to be a detective," speaking more 
quickly than there was any need for. 

She dropped her sewing and looked at him. 

A detective!" a little incredulously. 

^^Yes, mother." 


DARKE DARRELL. 


19 


Why, what an odd selection, passing her wasted hand 
over her face. ^^Do you think you are smart enough? It 
is a profession surrounded with peril, abounding in tempta- 
tions, frequently realizing nothing but disappointment and 
shame." 

If any business is mean, it is because we make it mean," 
rejoined Darke. Fll try it." 

I am afraid it will be years before they will give you 
any hazardous and profitable cases." 

^^That will depend very much upon myself," replied 
Darke. My youth and stature shouldn't be against me. 
They may favor me in many instances. Pluck and brains 
win, mother, and I\e got both." 

Early the next morning Darke went to the detective 
bureau. He swept the office and put everything in such 
excellent order that when Mr. Marks came in he smiled 
and nodded approval. * 

But ten o^clock came before he took any further notice 
of Darke; then he called him into his private office, a little 
compartment separated by a partition and heavy glass doors 
from the main room. 

Write your name and residence," and Mr. Marks pushed 
a card toward him. 

Darke seized a pen and wrote as directed, in a clear, bold 
hand. 

Quite good," commented Mr. Marks. Your educa- 
tion has not been neglected. Are you an honest boy?" 

^^I hope so," and Darkens cheek flushed. ^^ItisnTfor 
me to say, quite." 

Mr. Mark smiled, 

Ifil take your word," he said. ‘‘ Master Darke, I pro- 
pose to test your keenness of observation this morning; also, 
the correctness of your deductions." 

A pleasant flush crept across Darkens face. Mr. Marks 
hurriedly wrote something on a card. 


20 


DARKE DARRELL. 


There was a burglary committed last night at the place 
written on this card,” he said. Visit the house and re- 
turn with the result of your observations.” 

Written out?” asked Darke. 

If you please. ^ Elaborately concise,” laughing. 

I may not be admitted,” suggested Darke. I^m but 
a boy, you know.” 

My name is on the card. Hand it to the owner of the 
house. I visited the place this morning, and simply wish 
to see how far your observations will correspond with my 
own.” 

Darke started for the place named on the card. He re- 
turned in an hour, wrote down the result of his observa- 
tions, which he handed to Mr. Marks. 

The latter read the paper, his face manifesting surprise 
and approval. 

There are men on the force,” he said, *^who, after two 
years’ experience, could not have done this as well. I must 
say so, in justice to you, though I hope it will not arouse 
your self-conceit. Your observations correspond with mine, 
except in one grave particular. You conclude that the 
robbery was committed by some one belonging to the house- 
hold” 

And give my reasons,” replied Darke. 

wrong deduction, my boy. A grave error, for we 
would be looking for the thief in the wrong direction. He 
made his exit through the house, and that misled you. 
He entered it from the outside, through a second-story 
window.” 

I think you are wrong there,” Darke said, shaking his 
head. 

Mr. Marks smiled confidently. 

"'Here are my notes,” picking up a slip of paper from 
his desk. ""Arbor slat broken; vines bruised; tin leader 
scratched; side yard; entrance by climbing to second-story 


DAKKE DAREELL. 


21 


window/ You see, my boy, you didn’t examine the out- 
side,” with a pinch at Darke’s cheeks. 

A faint smile of triumph curled Darke’s lips. 

Sir, you will find that I am right and you wrong, with 
all deference to your skill and experience,” his tone positive 
yet respectful. ^‘1 did examine outside; I observed the 
same things which you observed more closely, for I came 
to the conclusion that the marks had not been made by 
either man or boy. I inquired at the cigar store across 
the way. A man had been in the side yard the evening 
before, with a hand-organ and monkey. The lady in the 
cigar store saw the monkey climb up the vines and leader. 
The man couldn’t get him down without a good deal of 
scolding and tugging at the rope. The monkey broke the 
slat in the arbor, for the lady heard it crack.” 

Mr. Marks stared, rubbed the end of his nose, looked 
confused for a second or two, then tore up his own synopsis 
of observations, and placed Darke’s upon file instead. 

The investigation shall be based upon your observa- 
tions,” he was candid enough to say. You have exhibited 
more genius than I had given you credit for.” 

Before the close of three months Darke surprised Mr. 
Marks again. 

Darke had learned to telegraph by sound, and his weekly 
salary had been doubled. 

There, Darke!” Mr. Marks suddenly exclaimed, one 
day, pointing out of the window. Follow that man!” 

Which man?” and Darke was on his feet. 

Cane, red whiskers, crape on his hat, ribbed cassimer 
coat. Sharp!” 

Away Darke bounded. He caught up to the man, and 
kept close at his heels. 

The man entered a telegraph office, wrote off something, 
handed it to the operator, together with the money, and 
said: 


22 


DABKE DARKELL. 


Please send that at once/^ 

The operator read the dispatch, touched the instrument, 
then the ticking sounds followed. 

Darke, sheltered by a pillar, hurriedly took a copy of the 
dispatch, reading it by' sound. 

He followed the man again, until he saw him enter one 
of the hotels. 

I wasnT told to follow him all day,^^ reasoned Darke. 

HeT no doubt remain there an hour or two. Pll go back 
and report. 

He did so. 

If you had only thought of listening to what was dis- 
patched,^^ Mr. Marks said; ^Ht would have been of vital 
importance." 

I have got a copy of it, sir," answered Darke. Here 
it is." 

Mr. Marks was pleasantly surprised. 

I like a boy who always has his wits about him," he 

said. 

The dispatch read as follows: 

“ Mk. Pedko Cassandea, No. st., N. Y. 

“Send her over very early, as Traske offers no compromise either. 

“ JOBDAN.” 

Mr. Marks read the dispatch over and over, a disappointed 
look on his face. 

You followed the wrong man," he declared. 

I followed the man you described," insisted Darke. 

May be," half incredulously. The fellow is a notori- 
ous counterfeiter. This dispatch is a very ordinary one, 
and gives no cue." 

He handed the dispatch back to Darke. 

A notorious counterfeiter!" Darke repeated, his eyes on 
the paper, his brows heavily knit. I have a clew," sudr 


DAKKE DARKELL. 


23 


denly, his face lighting up. The initial letters of the dis- 
patch read: ^ 8hove at Once,^” 

^^EhP^ quickly, sharply, snatching the paper from Darkens 
hand. ^^So they do! So they do!” excitedly. Shove at 
once. Pay out the counterfeits. We^ll give them a warm 
time. Darke, you are a genius, and you^ve been called to 
your profession,” unable to refrain from patting Darke on 
the head. 


24 


DARKE DARRELL. 


CHAPTER IV. 

EAILROAD CRASH. 

Summer came. Mrs. Harrell was rapidly recovering her 
health. That was not due to medicine, but to active exer- 
tion, ease of mind, and increasing worldly comforts. 

She was earning considerable money by sewing; Harkens 
salary had been doubled; they both were economical, and 
so there was quite an improvement visible in their circum- 
stances. 

They lived in the same tenement, to be sure; but they 
rented additional rooms, and had comfortably furnished 
them. A sewing-machine stood in one corner, bright- 
colored carpets covered the floors, and charming little chro- 
mes adorned the walls. 

Several important cases had been placed in Darke’s hands ; 
he had managed them with so much adroitness, and brought 
them to such a speedy and successful termination, that 
Mr. Marks had praised and congratulated him in the warm- 
est terms. 

But it was not until August that he was sent to a distant 
city, in connection with his calling, singled out from among 
half a dozen others who were extremely anxious to figure in 
the job. Darke could not help but look upon it as a com- 
pliment to his shrewdness; it made him feel proud, but did 
not make him vain. 

He took a morning train for Hew York, and there wasn’t 
a more manly little fellow on board than Master Darke 
Darrell. 

Before the train had traversed half the distance to Hew 
York, there was a fearful crash and jar, followed by 


DARKE DARRELL. 


25 


screams, groans, outcries, the hissing of steam, etc. Darke 
was thrown violently forward, but succeeded in keeping his 
feet. 

He knew that an accident had occurred, and that a num- 
ber of the passengers in the forward cars had been hurt. 
Nerving himself for the sight, he issued from the cars, hop- 
ing that he could be able to make himself useful. 

A fearful wreck had followed the accident; the engine 
was upreared; cars were piled on top of each other; trunks 
and mail-bags were strewn about in every direction; men 
were crushed under the wheels; hands were stretched out 
from among shattered seats and timbers; voices called for 
help from this direction and from that; groans and shrieks 
were intermingled with the loud vociferations of the con- 
ductors and train hands. 

The sufferers, comprising men, women, and children, 
were deposited on the grassy bank, and made as comfort- 
able as possible. 

^MVe must send for physicians and the repair train,” 
Darke heard the conductor say to a consulting group. 
^^Wehada telegraph operator on board, but he has been 
killed.” 

^^Is his instrument uninjured?” Darke was bold enough 
to ask. 

Yes,” and the conductor shot him a keen glance. Are 
you an operator?” 

I am, and will be glad to oblige you,” answered Darke. 

Yonder is the instrument, and a coil of wire. Fll write 
out the dispatches.” 

Darke was rapid in his movements. He got the instru- 
ment, set the battery in operation, attached a wire to the 
line of wire overhead, secured the requisite connections, and 
found himself in communication with the various offices on 
the line. 

^^Here,” and the conductor thrust several slips of paper 


26 


DAEKE DAKKELL. 


into Darkens hand. We are fortunate in having a lad like 
you on board. 

Darke had used a trunk for a table. He knelt down and 
sent the dispatches, a group of idlers collecting around him. 
Questions were flashed back, to which he sent answers at 
the dictation of the conductor. 

He reads by sound, Darke heard several persons say. 

In a reasonable course of time, a wrecking train, with 
physicians, nurses, stretchers, etc., arrived at the scene of 
the catastrophe. 

Somewhat at leisure now, Darke walked around to view 
the extent of the disaster. 

The first object which attracted his attention was a little 
girl sitting on the bank, with the head of a prostrate man 
in her lap. Going nearer, he became conscious of two 
things; first, that the man was dead, and secondly, that the 
girl was very lovely, despite her distress. 

Like himself, she was older than a first glance at her 
diminutive form would have indicated. 

She was a brunette, with red cheeks and lips, black, 
sparkling eyes, hair dark as night and charmingly abundant. 
She was dressed in bright colors, and wore a valuable neck- 
lace. 

There was a hushed look on her face, but not one of deep 
grief. Perhaps her grief had spent itself; perhaps she had 
strong control over her emotions; perhaps she did not fully 
realize her loss. 

Darke watched her, strangely drawn toward her. 

^^Your father he asked, softly, sympathizingly. 

She quickly lifted her black eyes to his face. She had 
been watching him, while he had knelt to send the dis- 
patches. 

Yes,^^ she simply said. 

But not at once; she was either chary in giving her con- 
fidence, or else had not exactly spoken the truth. 


DAEKE DARRELL. 


27 


He is dead/^ observed Darke. 

I know/^ falteringly, resignedly. 

Have you any other friend here?’^ 

No/' the bright eyes once more on his face. 

Darke waited^ wondering how he could serve her, and 
whether she considered him presuming. 

I am very sorry for your loss/^ he said. 

You are kind/^ she replied, in a quiet, lady-like way. 

As he watched her, he made a shrewd estimate of her 
character. 

^^She is very meek now,^^ he commented. ‘^When 
aroused. 111 bet she^s a perfect little tigress. 

Just then, the physicians, helpers, and crowd of idlers 
surged that way, most of the other cases having been at- 
tended to. 

The little girl became alarmed; rifts of white crossed her 
face; she looked at Darke, scrutinizingly, appealingly. 

Stay with me, please," a tremor in her voice. You 
wanted to help me, but were afraid to offer." 

Celerity seemed to be of more moment than gentleness 
and tender inquiry. The attendants lifted the dead man, 
entirely ignoring the girhs presence. 

She stood up, her face flushed with angry indignation. 
She caught Darkens hand. 

are friends, are we not?" speaking hurriedly, ex- 
citedly. I depend upon you. See that the body can be 
found and identifled when sent for. Get his watch and 
personal effects. There is a belt around his waist." 

He was surprised at the sudden outburst of confidence, at 
her imperative tone and manner, at her self-possession and 
thoughtfulness. 

He obeyed her without a moment^s hesitation. 

“ Stop, if you please," to the two men who had lifted the 
body. I will take charge of this gentleman^s valuables." 


28 


DAEKE DAEBELL. 


T^hey stopped and stared, but Darke bad already stooped 
and obtained possession of watch and wallet. 

^^HelloaP^ cried one of the nearest bystanders. ^^Why 
do you let that boy go through the man in that way? He^s 
no relative; he^s a little entry thief. 

The man who had been carrying the lower limbs of the 
corpse dropped them and seized Darke by the arm. The 
little detective shook him off, and singled out the man who 
had applied the scurrilous epithet to him. 

He was a small man, with a cane, with red side-whiskers, 
crape half-way up his hat, and ribbed cassimere coat. 
Where had Darke seen that man? Where had he heard 
that voice? 

The little girl was quick to speak up. 

The boy is my friend, and the dead man is my father,^^ 
she said, strongly, distinctly. I ordered him to secure the 
things for me.'’^ 

She was quivering with passion, her eyes flashing vindic- 
tively on the stranger. 

saw them sitting in the cars together, the man and 
the girl,^^ corroborated a passenger. I remember study- 
ing their Italian faces. 

The man with crape on his hat interfered again. 

It^s all gammon, he said. He isnT her father. The 
boy’s a knave. The dead man is my particular friend, Mr. 
Pedro Cassandra, bank-note engraver, of New York. I’ll 
take charge of the body and the effects.” 

^^That is a lie, Tim Jordan!” fiercely cried the girl, 
stamping her feet, and gesticulating wildly. You never 
were my father’s friend.” 

Gentlemen, she at least admits that she knows me,” 
with a grin of triumph, appealing to the crowd. 

Jordan! Cassandra! Darke remembered in a flash. The 
man with the crape on his hat was the counterfeiter whom 


DAKKE DARRELL. 


09 


he had dogged, and who had sent the dispatch with the 
hidden meaning. 

A belt, did you say?"^ Darke asked, turning to the girl, 
the crowd increasing in numbers. 

Yes; the check for his baggage, too, sir.-’^ 

Darke stooped, and fumbled for the belt. 

As cool a thing as ever I saw!^^ growled the man with 
the crape on his hat. I tell you the boy is a thief. I 
won’t stand by and see the dead rifled in that way.” 

Who are you in mourning for, and what business is it 
of yours, anyhow?” demanded a burly, pugilistic bystander. 
‘^You’ve got too much chin. You’d like to have the watch 
and pocket-book. That’s the boy who telegraphed for the 
train, and his mug is twice as honest-looking as yours.” 

The crowd laughed. 

The man with the crape on his hat glared at his new 
antagonist, and reached his hand toward a side-pocket in 
his coat. 

Darke secured the belt and baggage-check. 

Gentlemen, I am Darke Darrell, the boy-detective of 
Baltimore,” he said. I have my badge and my creden- 
tials, signed by Mr. Vincent Marks, chief of the detective 
force. I’ll show them on demand. This noisy, interfering 
fellow, so free in calling names, is Tim J ordan, the noto- 
rious counterfeiter.” 

The man recoiled, a slight pallor in his face. 

The dead man here, the bank-note engraver, as he calls 
him, was his confederate,” continued Darke, his voice ris- 
ing. ^^He is afraid that there is something in this belt 
which will convict him. J have been tracking both these 
men. I’ll hold these effects by right of search, and at the 
request of the dead man’s child, this little girl here.” 

He glanced at her, then gave a slight start. Her black 
eyes were burning into his face, a look in them that was per- 
fectly untranslatable. 


30 


DAEKE DAKRELL, 


He had spoken at a venture, and not from positive knowl- 
edge that the two men were confederates. He saw that his 
little speech had made a favorable impression upon his 
audience. 

^^You are a thief and a liarT cried Tim Jordan, in a 
fury. 

He parted the crowd and advanced upon Darke, a large 
knife in his hand. 

To the astonishment of all, and most so to the astonish- 
ment of Darke, the young girl drew a Spanish dirk from 
her bosom and reached it toward Darke. 

^^Take it, Darke! take it, Darke she cried, her gipsy 
face aglow with excitement. ^^DonT let him cut youT^ 

She must have been reared in strange society, Darke 
thought. She had called him by name, and it had caused 
his veins to thrill. 

He was not to be caught off his guard. He pushed aside 
the proffered dirk, drew a revolver, cocked it, and stood 
firm, one foot thrown forward, the crowd dissolving in 
alarm, the dead man stretched out between him and the 
advancing ruffian. 

You had better mend your manners, Darke quietly 
yet significantly said. ^^Drop your knife, or 1^11 drop you!^^ 


DAEKE DAERELL. 


31 


CHAPTER V. 

^^KKIVES CUT friendships/^ 

Tim Jordan was a coward; then, too, he did not lack dis- 
cretion. 

He saw that the little detective had a great advantage 
over him; the boy's face was dark with resolution; his eyes 
flashed ominously; it wasn't a nervous finger that rested on 
the trigger. 

Tim knew that he was the aggressor, and that the sym- 
pathies of the crowd were against him. He didn't know, 
either, how soon the little Italian girl would spring upon 
him. 

He stopped, scowled, bit his lip, thrust his knife into his 
pocket, and turned on his heel. 

The crowd jeered. 

^^Knew he was made of bad stuff!" loudly commented the 
man, with pugilistic tendencies. 

Darke grinned, then put away his pistol. The conductor 
shook hands with him. 

^‘1 like your grit," he said. ^^You took him down 
right bravely. The railroad company will compensate 
you for sending those dispatches. What is your address?" 

Never mind," answered Darke, slightly embarrassed. 

don't want pay." 

The place of the operator who was killed will no doubt 
be offered you." 

am profitably employed," replied Darke. Still, 
you can serve me, or this little girl rather. Her father's 
body should be 


32 


DARKE DARRELL. 


I understand you,” interrupted the conductor. ^^Mr. 
Wilson!” 

The gentleman whom he called came forward. He was 
a well-to-do farmer, was a stockholder in the company, 
and lived along the road. The conductor spoke a few 
words to him, then Mr. Wilson asked, looking at Darke: 

What are your wishes?” 

Darke didnT know exactly, and delayed his reply. 

The girl promptly answered in his stead. 

This is my father^s body. Please have it prepared for 
burial, and put in a handsome coffin. We are rich, and 
you will be promptly reimbursed. Take down my — my — 
aunt’s address, sir.” 

Mr. Wilson looked at her, surprised at her loveliness, 
her methodical self-possession, her business-like manner. 

He took out his pass-book;- she gave him her aunt’s ad- 
dress, and he wrote it down. 

You can confer with her by letter,” she said. 

I’ll bring the body on myself,” replied he. 

‘^Oh, thank you!” her face brightning. ^^My father’s 
pocket-book, Darke. 

He handed it to her. 

She looked at Mr. Wilson and said: 

I might as well ” 

Never mind,” interrupted he. am satisfied that 
the bill will be paid.” 

She answered by a grateful glance. 

Will you not detach the wire and put away the instru- 
ment?” the conductor asked, looking at Darke. 

Certainly,” replied the latter. Where shall I store 
it?” 

^"In the express car. That isn’t badly damaged.” 

I will be back in a few minutes,” whispered Darke to 
his little friend. 


DAEKE BARBELL. 


33 


He went to the trunk, upon the top of which the instru- 
ment still remained. 

'^I'll first send a dispatch to Mr. Marks,” reasoned Darke. , 

The accident is bulletined by this time, and mother will 
be alarmed.” 

No sooner thought of than done. Then he loosened the 
connecting wires, coiled them up, and carried the instru- 
ment and appliances to the express car. 

When he returned the girl was not in sight. Presently 
he saw her seated under a tree, her elbows resting on her 
knees, and her chin in the palms of her hands. 

She was watching the workmen clearing away the wreck 
with lifting- jacks, iron bars, blocks of wood, &c. Darke 
seated himself beside her. 

You haven’t told me your name,” he said. 

She was so long in answering that he thought she had not 
heard him. 

No, I haven’t. It is Leotine Cassandra,” still watch- 
ing the wreckers at work. 

A long silence. 

Can’t we go on until all that stuff is cleared away?” she 
asked. 

^^No,” rejoined Darke. ^^They are making rapid pro- 
gress, though.” 

Do you think so?” looking at him out of the corners of 
her eyes. Maybe they are. Did you know my father? 
Were you tracking him?” the expression coming into her 
eyes which he had noticed once before. 

"'No,” answered Darke. " I was playing " bluff.’ He is 
not your father.” 

She could not repress a start. 

" How do you know?” 

Darke merely laughed. 

I am afraid of you,” she said, half playfully, half earn- 


34 


DABKE DARRELL. 


estly, unconscious that she was admitting all that Darke had 
sought to know. 

She pulled a handful of grass, and sifted it through her 
fingers; shapely little fingers they were, on one of which 
gleamed a small diamond ring. 

Were you on your way to New York?^^ she asked. 

^^Yes.^^ 

You must go with me to our house.-’^ 

“No, Leotine.” 

“ I said must,” tightly shutting her hands, her tone pos- 
itive, her eyes snapping. 

Darke looked steadily at her. 

She thrust her fingers into the wallet. 

“Here is Mr. Cassandra's ticket,” holding it up. “You 
can ride on that.” 

“ I have a ticket. You called him father on the other 
occasions.” 

A fierce expression crossed her face. 

“Don't vex me!” half pleadingly, half warningly. 
“Don't pry into my affairs, or I shall not like you, and I 
do like you very much— now. Will you go home 
with me?” 

Gallantry wouldn't permit me to refuse,” Darke said. 

“Oh, how polished!” with a faint sneer. “You might 
have said, ^ I shall be very happy to oblige you,' ” following 
with a pettish exclamation in a language which Darke sus- 
pected to he Italian. 

She hashed him a sidelong glance, and wondered if she 
had offended him. 

“ I don't see why you should care to please me, though,” 
somewhat to herself. “ Would you have shot Tim Jordan?” 

“ Dead as a nail,” answered Darke. 

She looked at him with admiration. 

“Why didn't you take the dirk when I handed it to 

you?” 


DARKE DARRELL. 


35 


I had no need of it. Why do you carry it? I was 
quite astonished. 

You were? I carried it because 

She paused, her face working. 

I will make you a present of it, if you will accept it,” 
she completed. 

I would rather not have it,” Darke replied. 

She was offended. 

You are frank,” she said, biting her lip. The hilt 
is gold, fretted with pearl.” 

Knives cut friendships,” objected Darke. Til gladly 
accept something else to remember you by.” 

The offended look left her face. 

I’ll not forget,” she said. You have befriended me.” 

Their eyes met, hers so full of passionate gratitude that 
Darke felt his cheeks burn. 

What can you tell me about Tim Jordan?” he asked. 

^^You are a detective,” replied she. ^^Ask somebody 
else,” a twinkle in her eyes. 

It was an admission that she lived with questionable peo- 
ple, and would not betray their secrets. 

^^Is she a bad pieced” Darke asked himself. ^^Am I 
buying peril too cheap? No. Chance has thrown me 
right across the track of my mission.” 

Tim Jordan passed behind the tree, twirling his cane. 

Darke saw and heard him, and stood up. 

We haven’t made a settlement,” growled the man, with 
a fierce glance at Darke. 

‘^No, and I’m sorry,” answered Darke, with a grin. ^^It 
will accumulate.” 

^^And keep,” hissed the other. I always pay with 
interest.” 

In bogus money. ^ Send her over very early, as Traske 
offfl^s no compromise either,’ ” replied Darke, quoting the 
secret dispatch. ^ Shove at once.’ ” 


36 


DARKE DARRELL. 


Tim Jordan gave a start, and his face whitened. 

You think you are smart/^ he retorted, tugging at his 
red whiskers. Leotine, you have gone back on your 
friends,” his twinkling little eyes on her. 

I am comfortable,” with a saucy toss of the head. If 
I take to people, I take to them hugely. If I hate, I hate 
with all my might. You know that, Tim Jordan. Shut 
your trap, and Jog along.” 

It pained Darke to hear her use those slang phrases. 

ThereT be something to pay for this, my saucy little 
minx,” retorted the man, his face darkening. 

Leotine was on her feet at a bound, her eyes ablaze. 

Darke caught her hand, and held it with a tender, ap- 
pealing pressure. 

^^DonT mind him,” he said, soothingly. 

You are right,” suddenly appeased, her hand returning 
the hot pressure. ^^He isnT worth minding. He wonT 
have his deserts until he is hung,” loudly, for Tim Jordan 
to hear. 

He passed down on the opposite side of the bank, and she 
resumed her seat. 

''You can restrain me, and I didn't think that anybody 
could,” her eyes on him, and looking fabulously deep. 
" Why do they call you Darke?” 

"Because it is my name,” with a smile. "It means 
'keep shady.'” 

"And mine? A little lioness, I have sometimes fancied. 
Why did you speak of me to the conductor as a little girl?” 

"Did I?” with a quizzical glance. "You are a girl, 
and you are little.” 

"I am fourteen. I have read Don Quixote; I can play 
the ' Battle of Prague' on the piano, and can dance the 
'Lanciers."' 

" Your accomplishments exceed mine,” smiled Darke. 

You are making fun of me,” a pout on the red lips,* 


DAHKE DAREELL. 


37 


Indeed I am not/^ declared Darke. 

You have a very Jerky way of talking." 

Oh, my!" laughed Darke. thought that about 
you! Yonder comes a spare engine. The track is almost 
clear. Come, show me Mr. Cassandra^s trunk. If not 
among the shattered ones, 1^11 see that it is put on board." 

They walked sMe by side toward the track, Leotine 
closely scanning the trunks as they passed them. 


38 


DAEKE DAEEELL. 


CHAPTER VI. 

MRS. DARRELL^S GOOD FORTUNE. 

Mr. Marks was walking briskly along Fayette street, when 
his attention was attracted by a crowd about the office of 
the Everting Clipper, 

He also observed knots of people on the opposite side, and 
on the corners of the street, gravely discussing some excit- 
ing news. 

He glanced at the bulletin board, and read, in glaring 
letters: 

FRIGHTFUL RAILROAD ACCIDENT! 

The Morning Express a Complete Wreck! 

Twenty Persons Killed! 

Twenty More Horribly Mangled ! 

ETC., ETC., ETC. 

Newsboys rushed out of the office with papers damp from 
the press. Mr. Marks bought a copy, and read the account 
of the accident. The names of the killed and wounded were 
promised in the next edition. 

Darke Darrell was in the express train,^^ Mr. Marks 
thought, as he hurried to his office. hope he has not 
met with any harm, for he was a boy of much promise.'^^ 

When he reached the office, his mind was very much re- 
lieved, for there he found a dispatch from Master Darke, 
which read as follows: 

“Alive and kicking. Let mother know. Was thrown from one 
train across another. Will write by next mail. “D. D.” 

An hour later Mrs. Darrell came info the office, a look of 


DAEKE DAKKELL. 


39 


alarm on "her face. She had heard the news^ and was quite 
uneasy about Darke. 

Mr. Marks was busy, and so she was told to he seated. 

The last few months had wrought a great change in her, 
not only bringing her the comforts of life, but fullness and 
color to her cheeks, plumpness to her limbs, brilliancy to 
her eyes, strength to her voice. 

' She was seated so near to the railing of Mr. Marks^ private 
office, that she could overhear what was said within without 
having to listen. 

The occupants were on a level with her eye, and com- 
prised Mr. Marks and another gentleman, with gray hair 
and gray-glass spectacles, with bald crown and care-worn 
face, far past middle age, and a trifle hard of hearing, for 
he now and then curved the palm of his left hand just be- 
hind his left ear, Mr. Marks speaking louder than was his 
wont. 

No tidings asked the elderly man, whose name was 
Stoddard. 

None," Mr. Marks answered. 

You have been assiduous?" 

^^Left no stone unturned." 

Set some other men at work," suggested Mr. Stoddard. 

Of no avail," and Mr. Marks shook his head. 

^^Idon^t know," demurred the other. ^^Men^s organ- 
isms are not alike. Some are more apt. They don^t keep 
so much in beaten tracks." 

A correct observation," assented Mr. Marks. I didn^t 
say that I despaired, remember. I have a boy on the force. 
Ifll set him at work." 

A. boy?" with a faint sneer. 

In years merely. He runs away from all the rest. He 
has come out ahead of me once or twice." 

^"He means Darke," thought Mrs. Darrell, with motherly 
pride. 


40 


DAEKE DAEEELL. 


What baffles you?^^ asked Mr. Stoddard. 

Everything/^ crisply replied Mr. Marks. Not a gleam 
of light, scarcely. If we could find that Deborah Dunn, 
the way would be opened up.^^ 

That had been Mrs. DarrelFs maiden name, and she gave 
such a start that she almost fell out of the chair. • 

Surprise overspread her face, and she furtively yet keenly 
scrutinized Mr. Stoddard. 

What mystery was under investigation upon which she 
could throw any light? Her walk in life had been utterly 
devoid of anything like romance. 

Mr. Marks pushed his papers on a heap, which Mr. Stod- 
dard understood to mean t;hat the interview was at an end, 
so he quietly withdrew. 

Now is your time,^^ said the clerk at the nearest desk, 
looking at Mrs. Darrell, and nodding toward the private 
office. 

Mrs. Darrell entered it. Mr. Marks politely received her, 
and motioned her to he seated. 

In what way can I serve you, madam, blandly. 

I am Darke’s mother,” she said. 

Oh, you are?” pleased to find her so lady-like. 

He arose and shook hands with her quite cordially. His 
esteem for Master Darke extended to Master Darke’s 
mother. 

I should have made your acquaintance long ago,” he 
said, ^^but I have been so busy.” 

From what Darke has told me, I infer that there is 
scarcely an hour you can call your own,” Mrs. Darrell re- 
marked. 

Scarcely a minute, ma’am. It is wearing me out. I 
am a perfect slave, and the public is a hard task-master. I 
feel like breaking away no matter how many interests may 
suffer. You have called to inquire about your son?” 

Yes,” eagerly, her eyes strained. ^^He left for New 


DAEKE DARRELL. 


41 


York on the morning express. You know about the acci- 
dent? Has Darke 

Your son is safe,” cut in Mr. Marks. ^^Here is a dis- 
patch he sent me,” handing her a slip of paper. 

She read it, her face not clearing up. 

He doesn^t say that he isn^t hurt,” she remarked. 

To her mind he might have been badly bruised, yet with 
strength enough to ^^kick.” 

He meant to say so,” Mr. Marks said, appeasingly. 

^^He was thrown from one track across another,” com- 
mented she. That must have been a bad fall.” 

Nothing of the kind, Mrs. Darrell,” repressing a smile, 
out of respect to her. Master Darke is as sound as a dol- 

lar. You are too literal. To me there is nothing am- 
biguous about the dispatch. He means to say that by the 
delay he accidentally came upon the track of the very object 
for which he was looking, or another equally as important. 
Your son is quite a credit to you, ma^am.” 

Her face brightened. 

I am glad to hear you speak well of him,” she replied. 

He didn’t mistake his vocation, but what put it into 
his head I cannot imagine. I was quite amused when he 
first made application. How long have you been a widow, 
Mrs. Darrell?” 

Her face reddened. 

My husband is living,” she said. 

I beg your pardon,” with a wave of his hand. I knew 
Darke was maintaining you to a great extent, and from 
something he said, I supposed him fatherless. Perhaps 
you have married since?” 

Her face flushed still more. 

No. Mr. Darrell is in California,” falteringly. Darke 
might as well be fatherless.” 

I didn’t know. I hope I haven’t caused you pain?” 

Not at all, sir,” declared Mrs. Darrell. 


42 


DARKE DARRELL. 


She stared at the floor, toyed with the tassel of her par- 
asol, then asked: Who was that gentleman?” 

With the spectacles? Mr. Stoddard, a wine merchant. 
Lemuel Stoddard. Do you know him?” 

No, sir,” Mrs. Darrell said. 

The man^s name did not give her any clew. 

couldnT help overhearing, awhile ago,” she said, 
with embarrassment. I sat just outside the railing. You 
wish to learn something about Deborah Dunn?” 

^^Yes,” and Mr. Marks^face manifested sudden interest. 

Do you know her?” 

^•Idid.” 

You did. Then she is dead?” disappointedly. 

No; I donT think that she is. I am sure that she isn’t.” 

^^Ah!” elevating his brows, paper in front of him, and 
a pencil between his thumb and finger. Do you know 
where she is? Or where she lived when you last saw her?” 

His earnestness rather alarmed her; at least she grew 
cautious. 

Perhaps it would have been better had I remained 
quiet, ” she said. 

^^Why?” 

may get myself into trouble.” 

^^No.” 

^"Deborah Dunn, perhaps?” a keen glance at his face. 

^^Nor Deborah Dunn. It is not a criminal case.” 

“I infer not,” Mrs. Darrell said. ^^When I knew Miss 
Deborah Dunn she was quite a proper person. What is at 
issue?” 

He shot her a direct glance. 

Three thousand dollars,” he answered. 

^^For her?” 

^^For you, if you help me to find her.” 

Mrs. Darrell’s eyes widened. 

^^And it will not bring Miss Dunn into trouble?” 


DAHKE DAKEELL. 


43 


^^You asked that before, and I said no. Why should 
it? She is merely wanted to testify; nay, only to affirm to 
her signature. 

Mrs. Darrell could not recall anything, and was as ijiuch 
in the dark as ever. 

Perhaps she is another Deborah Dunn?^^ 

That may be; not, however, if she lived, for a time, 
in Trenton.” 

^^She was born and raised there.” 

Then she is the woman,” his tone decided. I have 
been searching for her more than a year, without finding a 
trace of her. Am I to be rewarded at last, in this acci- 
dental way? Where can I find the woman ?^ 

Mrs. Darrell debated her reply, conscious that his keen, 
restless eyes were upon her. 

My son can find her more readily than I can,” she said. 

I can direct him. Give the search into his charge.” 

All right, ma^am. The reward is ready, and I guess 
it does not matter much whether it is paid to you or 
to Darke. 1^11 mention it to him when he returns from 
New York.” 

Three thousand dollars!” muttered Mrs. Darrell as she 
passed out. Trouble about an estate, is it? I donT mind 
having ever signed my name to anything. There is a mis- 
take, somewhere.” 


DABKE DARRELL. 


4A 


CHAPTER VII. 

LEOTIR^E^S PICTURE. 

^^That is Mr. Cassandra^s trunk,” Leotine exclaimed, 
pointing to a small, canvas-covered trunk, which had not 
been damaged by the crash. 

Darke noticed that the check dangling to it corresponded 
with the duplicate check which he held. He saw that it 
was put upon the train, and by that time it was signaled 
that the passengers should get on board. 

Darke and Leotine took a seat together. She talked vol- 
ubly, not seeming to care much for the man whose dead 
body she was leaving behind her. 

Without incident of note, the train reached Jersey City. 
Leotine and Darke Darrell crossed the ferry, and arrived in 
New York about dusk. At Leotine^s suggestion, a carriage 
was engaged, which conveyed them to the residence of her 
aunt. Darke noticed that the street was a retired one, and 
that the house was somewhat pretentious. 

As the carriage rattled away, Leotine pulled the bell. It 
was answered at once by her aunt, a tall, spare woman, with 
a dark face, sloe-like eyes, and high cheek bones. 

She caught Leotine’s hand, and glanced at Darke. 

Thank Heaven you are safe!”— in Italian. ^^I heard 
about the accident” — in English — ^^and — Mr. Cas- 
sandra?” 

Aunt, he was killed,” she calmly answered. 

The woman recoiled, and lifted one hand to her temples. 

Mangled?” recovering from the shock. 

Aunt, you would think he was sleeping. We are des- 


DAKKE DARKELL. 


45 


perately hungry. Aunt Carlina, this is Master Darke Dar- 
rell. I owe him much for his kindness to me.^^ 

Darke bowed. Aunt Oarlina seized his hand; she spoke 
a welcome, yet scanned him very keenly. Throwing open 
the doors of the parlor, they all entered, and ordered a ser- 
vant to prepare supper. 

Mr. Darrell, Til show you to the hath-room,^^ she said. 

She was polite and thoughtful. She had called him Mr., 
and it sounded oddly to him. She had caught his name 
properly, and stored it away in her memory. 

He followed her up the wide stairs, and noticed that the 
house was complete in all its appointments. 

Tea declared ready, Darke and Leotine seated themselves 
at the table. The dining-room was handsomer than any 
parlor Darke had ever seen. 

Aunt Carlina sat near, listening to Leotine, who talked 
faster than she ate, and didnT seem to grow tired of de- 
scribing what had occurred, all the time giving Darke more 
credit than he deserved. 

They adjourned to the parlor. Leotine played ^^The 
Battle of Prague for Darke, and played it well. Now 
that her hat was removed, he saw how black, glossy, and 
abundant her hair was. 

Aunt Carlina left the parlor, re-entered, then left it again. 
She evidently cared more for the man who had been killed 
than Leotine did. 

Darke used his eyes, noticing everything in the room, 
and the relationship it bore to other rooms down stairs. 
The furniture, pictures, ornaments, carpets, etc., were quite 
elegant. 

He picked up an album from the center-table. In it 
was a photograph of Leotine, in fanciful attire, looking very 
pretty. 

You do not play at the theater Darke asked, a look 
of regret on his face, 


46 


DARKE DARRELL. 


Why, nor in surprise, and a little indignant. "'Oh, 
you are looking at that picture. I appeared in a tableau 
at a church festival. Don’t you see the flukes of the an- 
chor?” 

" You represented Hope,” his face brightening. ‘"Leo- 
tine, let me have this?” 

" No,” she said; " I will give you a better picture. An 
ivory-type, set with pearls. To-morrow, most likely.” 

"I’ll wait,” Darke said, with a smile. 

They sat on the sofa, and talked. 

Aunt Carlina came in, carrying a lamp. 

"I’ll conduct you to your room, Mr. Darrell,” she said. 

"No; I will, aunt!” cried Leotine, crossing the room, 
and taking possession of the lamp. 

She evidently was used to having her own way, pretty 
much. 

"Which room?” she asked. 

" Third story, front,” answered the woman. 

" No,” and Leotine spoke decidedly, her face darkening. 
" The room next to the library,” 

Her aunt shot her a dissatisfied glance, but interposed no 
objection. 

Darke wondered what Leotine’s reasons were for selecting 
another room. 

She beckoned to him to follow her. Once more he trav- 
ersed the wide stair- way, then the entry above. 

She pushed open a door. 

"Wait,” she said. 

She entered the room, lit the gas, then returned. 

" I wish you a pleasant good-night,” fondness in her eyes. 
" Oh, one thing, Darke. You are here as a guest, not as a 
detective. As my guest.” 

She seemed to have rare discernment, when the need came. 

" I’ll not violate your hospitality,” Darke said at once, 
and earnestly. 


DARKE DARRELL. 


47 


CHAPTER VIII. 

A KIGHT ALARM. 

Just then the door-bell was violently rung. 

The man with the baggage/^ Darke suggested, noticing 
the change in her face. 

I heard no wheels/^ replied Leotine, with a shake of 
her head. 

She turned down the flame of the lamp, and crouched 
close to the banisters. 

Aunt Carlina opened the door. A man stepped into the 
vestibule, and the two exchanged salutations. 

It is Tim Jordan,” whispered Leotine, glad that it was 
too dark there for her young friend to see her face. It 
didnT occur to me that he might be on the same train.” 

' For a moment Darke felt nervous. 

^^Does Tim Jordan live here?” he asked. 

He comes here sometimes,” Leotine whispered. Good- 
night, Darke,” catching his hand. ^^Lock your door.” 

He didn^t like the suggestion. His hand closed tightly 
on hers. 

Do not forget that I am your guest,” he significantly 
whispered. 

^^Fear nothing,” she said; least of all, not me. I hate 
a traitress. Good-night.” 

He was alone in the upper hall; he heard Leotine very 
softly descending the back stairs, the turned-down flame of 
the lamp giving no more light than a glow-worm. 

I donT like that man being here,” Darke thought, as 
he entered the room allotted to him, and carefully fastened 


48 


DAKKE DAERELL. 


the door. in peril. Will it pay me to face it. Pshaw! 

Darke Darrell is no coward. 

The foot of the back stairs reached, Leotine placed the 
lamp upon one of the steps, then softly pushed open the 
door which led into the kitchen. 

The gas was lit, but the room was thick with shadows. 
Leotine softly removed her shoes. Then her hand wan- 
dered to her bosom, where the Spanish dirk was concealed. 

No, Darke, she thought, 1^11 not forget that you are 
a guest here. I^ni glad you declined the dirk. Tim Jor- 
dan will have to kill me first. He is talking to Aunt Car- 
lina in the dining-room. Pll listen to the sweet things he 
may have to say about me.^^ 

She noiselessly glided across the kitchen through the 
shadows. 

The room which Darke had entered was small and cozy, 
the ceiling dome-shaped and frescoed. The bed looked 
clean and inviting; the carpets were bright; the furniture 
was excellent, to a certain extent. Opposite the door was 
a window, on one side of the room a toilet-stand, on the 
other side a wardrobe, seemingly built into the wall. 

Darke looked into the wardrobe and found it empty; next 
he examined the fastening of the window. 

^^Oh, that belt!” he thought. am justified in look- 
ing at that. I was afraid Leotine would demand it before 
I had an opportunity to examine it.” 

He drew the belt from his pocket, soon discovering how 
to open it. 

A disappointed look came into his face. 

The belt contained a few genuine bank-bills, a railroad 
bond, a plain gold ring,, a lock of hair, and some papers of 
no apparent value. 

Nothing mysterious after all,” Darke thought. But 
what is this? It may mean more than one just makes out 
of it.” 


«r 



W 

o 

*Tj 

H 

! 2 ! 

R 

a 


o 

c 

w 


d 

a> 

H 


R 

R 

1 ?; 

H 

O 


R 

C 

O 



I 



60 


DARKE DARRELL. 


He was looking at a card^ upon which was written the 
following: 

F. G. VANDEKBILT, 

Shumwyck 

P. 0 

X. 

ThaPs nobod/s address/^ he reasoned. I never heard 
of such a post-office as Shumwyck. X stands for Xerxes, 
the primer says. 

He knit his brows. 

Every letter in the alphabet is there except j, q, and z. 
What does the big 0 mean? Hah!^^ with a start, his face 
flushing. ^^It stands for cipher. The card is a key to 
some writings that are not in the belt. Ifll just take a copy 
of it.^^ 

He did so, then returned the original to the belt. 

^^Pm among people who deal in hidden dispatches,” he 
muttered. ^^At least Tim Jordan does, and he visits here. 
This may be the headquarters of the gang, and Leotine ’ 
may be the little pigeon. And yet I trust her somehow.” 

He wound his watch, examined his revolver, and thrust : 
them both under his pillow. ' 

He undressed and got into bed. He had not turned out 
the gas; a faint blue flame glimmered in the burner. 

A clock in a tower near by struck eleven. ; 

I wish I wasn't so pesky sleepy,” he muttered. It's 
because I'm so tired, and not because I've been drugged. 

He lay awake thinking, the house very still, the noises 
dying away in the street. ! 

That empty wardrobe might have a shifting panel in 
the back of it,” he thought. Why didn't I think of it 
when I peeped in?” 

He dropped into a doze, then awoke. 

There^s some one in the room,” he thought. 



DARKE DARRELL. 


61 


He listened, his hand gliding toward his revolver. 

A scarcely perceptible gliding noise, a sound of sup- 
pressed breathing, then the pitcher rattled slightly in the 
wash-bowl; some one, in groping, had stumbled against the 
toilet-stand. 

Grasping his pistol with one hand, he reached out and 
turned on a blaze of light with the other. 

Stand he ordered, his pistol clicking. 


DAKKE DARRELL. 


5^^ 


CHAPTER IX. 

^^ 2^0 MUKDER HERE.^^ 

Tim Jordan and Aunt Carlina passed into the sitting- 
room; he staggering a little, as if under the influence of 
liquor. 

The servant was dozing in a chair, and Aunt Carlina dis- 
missed her with a wave of the hand. 

Tim sat down with the air of a man very much at home, 
his hat awry on his head, his cane between his knees, a 
surly look on his face. 

^^Leotine here he asked. 

Yes, Tim," quietly, almost as if she feared him. 

^^She must have come from the" depot in a cab. Then . 
you have heard the news?" 

IPs awful, Tim," and the woman shuddered. 

He didnT seem to think so. ' ' 

Did Leotine come alone?" waitingly. 

She brought a friend with her. A sturdy, well-disposed ; 
boy. Smart, too, I fancy. He was of great use to her." 

The man swore under his breath. j 

There was a faint footfall, but neither of them heard it. ] 
Leotine was listening at the sitting-room door, which was \ 
slightly ajar. j 

^^Is he here now?" Tim Jordan asked, sluggishly raising 
his lids. 

He has just gone to bed." • 

A cunning expression crossed Tim’s face as he tugged at , 
his red whiskers. He at once resolved to effectually rid 
himself of the Boy Detective, and so informed his female 
companion, after he had narrated how the boy had made 


DAEKE DAEKELL. 


63 


himself annoying and meddlesome at the scene of the wreck. 

You shall not hurt him, Tim Jordan, she said. 1^11 
have no murder done here.^^ 

Leotine was crouched inside the door. She heard, and 
a dusky pallor swept her face. 

Stick to that. Aunt Carlina,^^ she said, under her breath, 
her black eyes coruscating. Touch a hair of his head, 
if you dare, Tim Jordan her face gleaming dangerously. 


64 


DAEKE DAEEELL. 


CHAPTER X. 

DAEKE PKOTECTED. 

Darke flashed his eyes about him, sitting up in bed, his 
right arm freed from the covers, his finger on the trigger 
of his pistol. 

He expected to see Tim Jordan, knife in hand, his face 
dark with exultation at the thought of revenge. Instead, 
he saw — Leotine. 

Darke stared at her in astonishment. 

You, Leotine?” he said in a low tone. might have 
shot you,” lowering his revolver. 

She made no reply. 

How did you get in here?” he asked. 

Through the wardrobe,” nodding toward it. It com- 
municates with the library.” 

‘^I suspected that,” rejoined Darke. Leotine, look 
directly at me.” 

He said it in a tone of command, but she did not take 
offense. 

She looked steadily at him, a brilliancy leaping into her 
eyes that almost fascinated him. 

Bring that hand from behind your back,” he ordered. 

You have violated the truce. You meant to injure me. 
You are clasping that Spanish dirk.” 

Oh, Darke!” reproachfully, I didn^t think you would 
say that. That hurt me right here,” with a quick move- 
ment of her left hand toward her heart. Here is the dirk, 
exposing the hilt through a hole in the wrapper she wore. 

It is not for you, but for Tim Jordan, or anybody else 


DAKKE DAEKELL. 


55 


who may seek to do you harm/^ her whisper husky with 
fierceness. 

‘^1 am very sorry for what I said/^ humbly declared 
Darke. You see — I was so dazed. 

. You don^t trust me/^ with mournful tone and look. 

What have I in the hand behind my back? See! Surely 
I sought not your destruction with that.^^ 

The light was flashing upon the ivory-type, ribbed with 
pearls, which she had promised him. 

His face became illuminated. He took the picture. 

I have been very unjust to you,^^ he said, with so much 
genuine feeling that she forgave him everything then and 
there. 

He looked at the picture, pleasure beaming in his eyes. 
It seemed to smile on him. 

These pearls are valuable, he said. But it is the 
picture which I prize. 

And you will never part with it?” eagerly, her red lips 
apart. 

Never,” answered Darke, fervently. ^^But, Leotine, 
why did you come into my room?” he asked. For the 
belt?” 

The belt?” bewilderedly. Why, no! I forgot about 
the belt. You should have given it to aunt.” 

Why did you come into my room?” 

^^Why?” hesitatingly, and looking very lovely. ^^To 
put that picture on the bureau, then glide quietly away 
again.” 

So that I might be pleasantly surprised in the morn- 
ing? That was the only reason?” 

You shouldnT be so persistent,” her lips quivering. 

^^You were afraid that Tim Jordan might assassinate 
me?” 

^^Yes,” at once, frankly. ‘^1 not only watched Tim 
Jordan, but I foiled him,” her eyes lighting up. Oh, hefil 


66 


DAHKE DAERELL. 


pay me, no doubt! I took the key out of the library door, 
and out of the secret door in the back of the wardrobe. You 
go to sleep, for you are safe. Fll go into the library and 
lie down on the sofa until dawn. He may try to pick the 
lock. I slept in the cars, you remember. Good-night. ThaFs 
the third time I\e said that.'’^ 

Before Darke could reply she-had disappeared through 
the wardrobe. 

I don^t feel much like sleeping, Darke muttered, as 
he turned down the light. She is a strange creature. I 
believe she has fallen in love with me. Will they abuse her 
for thus expressing her regard for me?^^ his brow dark- 
ening. 

He thought of Leotine until he fell asleep. 

The dawn peeped in at the window; heavy vehicles rat- 
tled through the streets; the baker trundled his barrow over 
the sidewalk; the milkman rattled at the latch of the gate; 
the city was awake, and was getting up. 

There was a pounding at Darkens door, and a voice said: 

Breakfast is ready.” 

That was Leotine,” Darke thought, as he sprang out of 
bed. They are early risers here.” 


DARKE DARRELL. 


67 


CHAPTER XL 

INVITED TO A CONFERENCE. 

Darke dressed himself, then put the watch and belt in 
his pocket, with the intention of giving them to the woman 
whom they called Aunt Carlina. 

How and then a dull, metallic sound reached his ears, fol- 
lowed by a heavy thud, which seemed to jar the window. 
There were regular intervals between the recurrences of the 
sounds, and he quite correctly concluded that they were 
produced by machinery. 

He went to the window, pushed aside the curtains, and 
looked out. The house, like the one 'adjoining, had a 
wing to it, and these wings formed a sort of court, from 
which an arched double gate-way led into the alley in the 
rear. 

The windows of the wing belonging to the house in which 
Darke had spent the night were closed, and every slat in the 
blinds were drawn. Through one of them he saw a glim- 
mer of light, and knew that the gas was burning. He felt 
satisfied in his mind that the dull, jarring sounds came from 
that part of the house. 

Why were the windows so closely secured? Why was the 
gas burning, when the light of day was so bright? What 
kind of machinery was in motion? The whole affair wore 
a suspicious aspect. Darke was not slow in drawing an in- 
ference, basing it upon the character of the inmates and 
frequenters of the house. 

They are making counterfeit money, he thought, with 
a toss of his head. Chance has thrown me right into 
their den.^^ 


58 


DAEKE DARKELL. 


Having arrived at that conclusion, he took a second and 
more careful survey of the wing, the court, and the gate- 
way. In a descent upon the place, he might want to know 
just where to station the police; the avenues through which 
the counterfeiters could escape might also aid him to escape, 
in case any personal peril surrounded him. 

He noticed that a one-story building ran along two of the 
second-story windows; that there was attached to the one- 
story building a sort of shed, with a low roof; that the gate 
was secured on the inside by a fastening of a kind with 
which he was familiar. 

From either of the two windows a daring man could leap, 
without much risk to life or limb, to the one-story building, 
and the shed adjoining, rendering it an easy undertaking to 
reach the court below. 

Before five hours had gone by, Darke had occasion to 
thank his foresight for having made a note of that chance 
of escape. 

He turned away from ihe window, and looked into the 
empty wardrobe; hej 30 uld detect no signs of a door in the 
back of it. He pushed against it, but it seemed solid. 

^^That leads into the library, Leotine said," thought 
Darke. It is a room I would like to explore before there 
are any changes made in it. I might find some manuscripts 
upon which to experiment with the secret cipher. No 
doubt the sudden death of Mr. Cassandra has-been quite a 
blow to the gang. He was the master-spirit." 

He saw the ivory-type lying on the bureau. 

I must not forget that," he thought, picking it up. 
» Little gipsy-face would never forgive me." 

He looked at the picture, his face relaxing, a pleased 
expression filling it. 

She looks sweet enough to eat," he said to himself. 

Another pounding at the door. 


DAKKE DARRELL. 


59 


Are you ready for breakfast, Darke he heard Leotine 

ask. 

^^Yes,^^ he answered, thrusting the picture into his 
pocket. 

I'll wait," Leotine said. 

He opened the door. She was neatly dressed, and looked 
as if she had not lost a minute's sleep. 

Come," catching his hand in a child-like way. 

^^Oh, how thoughtless!" exclaimed Darke, breaking away 
from her. 

He darted to the bed, and took his watch and revolver 
from under the pillow. 

Don't part with that," Leotine meaningly said, as 
Darke thrust the pistol into a pocket on his hip. Tim 
Jordan will carry one hereafter. He didn't like the way 
you kept him at bay yesterday." 

Will he be at the breakfast-table?" Darke asked. 

Yes. You need not fear him. Aunt Carlina is against 
him. You and I should be more than a match for any 
treachery he may plot. Still, I feel constrained to say that 
he needs close watching. There isn't much honor about 
him, if any." 

I'll watch him," replied Darke. 

They descended the front stairs, she holding his hand in 
the same artless way as before, as if he needed to be shown 
the way, as if it was necessary for her to give him con- 
fidence. 

Aunt Carlina and Tim Jordan were seated at the break- 
fast-table. Darke nodded to Tim, and the fellow was so 
much of a churl as to refuse to respond to the recognition. 

It is scarcely necessary for me to introduce you two gen- 
tlemen," the woman said, with a grim smile. 

We have met before," Darke said. 

‘‘ I hope you will keep the peace," she suggested. 

We are in the presence of ladies," was Darke's reply. 


60 


DAEKE DAEKELL. 


Tim Jordan made none, but looked all the more surly. 

The meal was dispatched almost iiTsilence, there were so 
many antagonistic feelings at work. Darke, however, ate 
heartily. 

We wish to see you iu the library, Aunt Carlina said 
to Darke, after they had risen from the table. 

He did not like the word we,^^ because it included Tim 
Jordan. Still, the library was a room which he had a 
strong desire to visit. 

^^Why not say just here all you have to say to Mr. 
Darrell asked Leotine, a studious look on her face. 

Why to the library?'^ was what she thought. ^^The 
last place in the house, almost, to which to take a detective. 

I am ready to follow, Darke said. 

Aunt Carlina and Tim Jordan led the way. Leotine 
glided to Darke’s side. 

Look sharp, and be brave.” she whispered. 

They ascended the stairs, and entered the library. Tim 
Jordan turned upon Leotine. 

You were not asked to this conference,” he said. 

I go wherever I want to in this house, and whenever I 
want to,” boldly declared Leotine, and she advanced still 
farther into the room. 

^^Let her stay,” decided Aunt Carlina.” 

Tim Jordan scowled, but ceased to protest. 

Leotine observed no change in the room from the even- 
ing before, save that a small desk had been removed from 
the wall and placed in the middle of the apartment. 

Darke made good use of his eyes. The room was very 
much like a library. There were book-cases, brackets, easy- 
chairs, statuary, oil paintings, &c. 

In addition, he saw a case of glass bottles and jars, chem- 
ical apparatus, lithographic stones, engravers’ tools, plates 
of .copper, odd samples of paper, &c. 


DARKE DARRELL. 


61 


Aunt Carlina led the interview, and she did so in a short, 
business-like way. 

You have certain effects belonging to Mr. Cassandra, 
she said. 

Which I should have accounted for sooner, replied 
Darke. I gave the check to the baggage-man, and the 
trunk has been delivered. Your niece has the pocket-book. 
Here are the watch and belt,^^ and he deposited them upon 
the little desk. 

Did you open the belt?^^ Aunt Carlina asked. 

""I was Leotine’s escort, at her request. I held those 
things in trust. The belt is as I found it. Whatever was 
in it, when I loosened it from about Mr. Cassandra^s waist, 
is in it now.^^ 

Darke spoke the truth, only that he had taken a copy of 
the mysterious cipher. 

I believe you/^ Aunt Carlina said. There is another 
thing. We know your avocation, yow know for you 
are no dolt. How, we must be secured, for a time. You 
must make no move against us until the body of Mr. Cas- 
sandra has been received and interred. Agree to that, and 
you can depart in safety. 

Darke debated; the proposition seemed fair enough. 

I could not do otherwise than respect the rights of the 
dead, and the wishes of the friends of the dead,^^ he slowly 
replied. I grant you the time, not in the least intimi- 
dated by that last remark of yours. 

^^Then give us a written guarantee, and the woman 
pointed to desk and chair. 

Darke glanced keenly at her. 

I have known persons to go back upon a verbal promise 
who would scorn to go back upon a written one,” declared 
the woman. Write it out to suit yourself.” 

Tim Jordan was leaning against the marble mantel like a 
passive spectator. 


62 


DAEKE DARRELL. 


Leotine stood near, her hands in the pockets of her jaunty 
little apron, a concentrated look on her face, as if she did 
not quite trust Aunt Oarlina, after all. 

Darke seated himself at the table, seized a pen, drew a 
sheet of paper toward him, and commenced to write. He 
looked up and saw that Tim Jordan did not need watching. 

Darke was seated above a trap-door.* It suddenly gave 
way, and he was precipitated through the floor of the library 
into a vault beneath it. 

He caught at the sides of the opening, but that did not 
serve him. As he sank down, he cast a quick, reproachful 
look toward Leotine, and the trap-door glided back into its 
place. 


DAKKE DAERELL. 


63 


CHAPTEE XII. 

THE FIGURES. 

Darke, who was as agile as a cat, landed upon his feet, 
but, so sudden and unexpected was his fall, that it took 
him half a minute to collect his scattered senses. 

He saw the trap-door close above him; he listened, but 
heard no laugh of exultation from those above, nor any 
scream from Leotine, to indicate that she had been igno- 
rant of the treachery. 

To his surprise he saw that the room into which he had 
fallen was not a loathsome dungeon, nor wrapped in im- 
penetrable darkness. 

There was a grated orifice, set high up in the wall, 
which afforded considerable light, especially at that hour in 
the morning. 

Darke knew that the orifice overlooked the yard, and 
that there was no chance of escape in that direction. 

The fioor of the room was covered with matting; it con- 
tained no furniture except an iron table, which he soon 
ascertained to be chained to the wall. On the table stood 
a lamp, but it contained no oil. 

A flight of low stone steps led to a massive door. Darke 
ascended the steps and tried the door, but found it securely 
fastened. 

There was no other door visible, indicating that there was 
no communication with the main building save through 
the trap in the ceiling, and that struck Darke as rather 
odd. 

It is a cubby hole, and I am glad there are no dead 
men^s bones scattered around," argued Darke, as he seated 


64 


DAKKE DAKEELL. 


himself on the table. "" It is about ten feet up there/" lift- 
ing his eyes, "" and it was lucky that I didn"t break my 
neck. Am I to be starved or murdered? I might be fired 
at through the trap. If I am shown the ghost of a chance. 
I’ll make final settlement with one or more of them. The 
lock of that door can’t be picked, I fancy. However, I’ll 
try. What then? I may only be getting from the frying- 
pan into the fire.” 

He took a box of matches from his pocket. 

I may find these of use,” he thought. Especially in 
making a close examination of that door, so much in the 
shadow. That deceitful little gipsy! I was a fool for trust- 
ing her! And yet she pretends to hate a traitress. No 
doubt she is laughing because I was so easily gulled!” his 
face fiushing with vexation. ^^If I get out of this trouble 
I’ll caU her to account for it. And yet, not half an hour 
ago, I fancied I entertained a sincere affection for her. I 
have been made considerably wiser.” 

Where he sat he heard the same dull, heavy sound which 
he had heard in the room where he had slept. It was not 
so much of a jarring sound, but more distinct. 

Leaping from the table, he once more ascended the fiight 
of stone steps. He struck a match and held it close to the 
door. He saw that it was secured by a heavy lock, the key 
of which was missing. He also noticed that there were 
figures on the door, made with chalk, and they had the ap- 
pearance of having been recently made. 

Those figures mean something,” he said to himself. 

I may be able to find my way out of this through them.” 

He lit three or four more matches, and by means of the 
dickering light shed by them, took a copy of the figures 
in the order in which they had been chalked on the door. 

That done, he descended the steps and resumed his seat 
on the iron table, the point upon which the light from the 
iron-grating fell most strongly. He closely studied the ^ 


DAKKE DAEEELL. 


65 


figures, his brows heavily knit, the paper tightly clutched. 
The following were the figures and the order of their ar- 
rangement: 


15_5_6— 7— 8 
12—14—7 
12—14—10—8—6 
13_12_7— 21 
21— 8— 7— 19— 4r-8— 6— 22 

I am just as sure as can be, that those figures indicate 
the way out of this dungeon,^^ reasoned Darke. ^^But how 
can I ever decipher them? How can I hit upon the key? 
There are four eights, four sevens, and three twelves. If 
each figure indicates a letter, then those particular ones 
must stand for vowels, as vowels are most frequently used. 
Still, S and T are almost as frequent. The figures 12 — 14 
— 7, in the second line,"fnight stand for the word ^the.^ If 
so, all the sevens stand for E. 

He studied, and figured, and experimented, until the 
perspiration stood upon him in drops. The minutes seemed 
like hours. The light was growing more dim, for the sun 
no longer shone directly into the court-yard outside. 

I^m dead beat," he muttered, with a sigh of despair. 

I give it up." 

As he sat on the table he knocked his heels together, 
boy-like, and stared into the shadowy corner of the apart- 
ment. 

Hah !" he suddenly exclaimed, bringing his hands 
together, his face brightening. ^^That mysterious card 
which I found in the belt! It may be the key to what is 
chalked on the door." 

He took from his pass-book the copy which he had taken 
of the card in the belt, and closely studied it. 

"^12—14—7, ther he suddenly exclaimed, all excite- 
ment. was right. Ill find out what it all means in a 


66 


DABKE DAREELL. 


He took out his pencil and placed a figure under each 
letter on the card, as follows: 

F.G.VANDEEB I L T. 

1 _ 2 _ 3 — 4 — 5 - 6 - 7 — 8 - 9 — 10 — 11— 12 

S H U M W Y C K P. 0., X. 

13 _ 14 _ 15 _ 16 — 17 — 18 — 19 — 20 — 21 — 22— 23 

Of course, that enabled him to read the mysterious chalk 
marks. He had simply to substitute for each figure on the 
door the letter which stood directly over the same figure on 
the card. 

The substitution of the letters for the figures gave him 
the following ; 

UNDER 

THE 

THIRD 

STEP. 

PREOARDO. 

The next thing was to discover what that meant. 

Under the third step, Darke kept repeating, ^^Does 
it mean that the key is secreted there? There are five steps. 
Does it mean the third step from the top, or from the bot- 
tom? ril look under both of them.^’ 

He mounted the steps, and felt in under them. He was 
about to give up in despair, when his hand suddenly touched 
some metallic substance. Drawing it out, he discovered, to 
his great joy, that it was a key, and one glance at it as- 
sured him that it would open the door at the head of the 
steps. 

Will I merely find myself in another room, and meet 
with like obstacles ?^^ was his mental query. What does 
^Precardo^ mean? Is it some kind of a password? Pll fix 
it well in my memory. This may lead directly to the den 
of counterfeiters.” 

He thrust the key into the lock; he turned it, but not 


DARKE DARRELL. 


67 


without a strong effort of the wrist; then the door swung 
slowly open. 

We must say, in justice to Leotine, that she had no 
knowledge of the intention to entrap Darke; hence, when 
she saw him disappear through the floor, she was almost as 
much astonished as he was. She had never even suspected 
the existence of a trap-door. 

The latter had scarcely glided hack to its place, ere Tim 
J ordan seized Leotine around the waist, and commenced to 
pinion her arms, she fighting desperately against him. 

You sha^nT be the raven to feed him," growled Tim. 

^^ril kill you for this!" hissed the girl, through shut 
teeth, ceasing to struggle, her tone suppressed. 

ril keep my top eye open," he answered, with a grin. 

See that you do," was her significant rejoinder. Aunt 
Carlina, I didnT expect this of you." 

It was necessary to our safety, child, and to yours," 
argued she. 

Indeed!" with a sneer. ^^Am I to remain tied this 
way for the same reason? Aunt Carlina, order this villain 
to release me." 

You shouldnT call names," rejoined the woman. In 
this matter I yield to Tim. I believe that he knows best." 

Very well," with mock resignation, a fiery flash in her 
eyes. 

Aunt Carlina nervously lifted her hand to her mouth. 
She would rather have heard Leotine break out in wild de- 
fiance. 

I^m going to lock you up," Tim Jordan said, lifting her 
in his arms. 

^^Set me down," she objected in a quiet tone. ^^Ifil 
walk." 

He complied, and she looked demure enough. 

You are tliinhing ugly about me. Til bet," he said. 


68 


DABKE DARRELL. 


pushing her in front of him through the library door into 
the hall. 

I gave you notice,” was all she said. 

A faint pallor crossed his face, her reply meant so much. 

They traversed the hall; there he stopped, opened a door, 
and thrust her into a room with more violence than was 
necessary. 

He closed the door and locked it, thrusting the key into 
his pocket. 


DARKE DARRELL. 


69 . 


CHAPTER XIII. 

JEFF POTTER. 

The heavy iron door opened into a long, narrow passage- 
way, which Darke was glad to find was tolerably well 
lighted. In his imagination he had conjectured a close, 
dark, fetid corridor, leading under the sidewalk, and along 
a sewer perhaps. 

He examined his revolver, thrust it into his pocket again, 
then pushed rapidly forward. 

He came to another door, which was closed, but not 
locked; he opened it, and found another passage-way 
similar to the other, but reached by ascending steps, five in 
number. 

Darke had now ascended ten steps in all, and he shrewdly 
concluded that the fioor of the passage-way was on a level 
with the fioor of the room from which he had been so un- 
ceremoniously tumbled. The noise of machinery began to 
grow mnre distinct. 

^^I^ve got into the wing of the house, he thought. 

Where will I bring up? In the vory heart of the den, 
maybe. Well, Ifil take that way, if I do not stumble upon 
another. 

Presently he came to a window, quite beyond his reach. 
He stopped under it, and listened. He judged by the 
noises which he heard that the window overlooked the 
street. 

‘^This may be my only chance for communicating with 
the world outside, he thought, his face contracting. Ifil 
avail myself of 


70 


DAKKE DAKKELL. 


He tore two blank leaves from his memorandum-hook. 
Upon one he wrote as follows: 

“No. Steebt, N. Y. 

“ A counterfeiters’ den. In trouble. Send help. 

“D. D. 

“To Me. Vincent Maeks, Chief of Detectives, Baltimore, Mary- 
land.” 

Upon the other leaf he penciled the subjoined: 

“ Should this fall into the hands of any law-abiding person, I ask 
him or her at once to send the accompanying dispatch by telegraph, 
and communicate with the local authorities. Keep the change, and be 
assured of a much greater compensation. 

“Daeke Daeeell, Detective.” 

Placing a dollar bill between the leaves, he pinned them 
together. Next he took from his pocket a pistol-cartridge, 
to serve as a missile. He coiled the money and messages 
around the cartridge, and hurled it through the window, 
little caring how much noise was caused by the shattered 
glass. 

If I am never heard of again, and that missive gets into 
proper hands, it will at least be known where I met my 
fate. How stupid!’^ he suddenly thought, his hand at his 
brow. I forgot to lock the door of the dungeon. I can- 
not afford to be attacked in the rear.^^ 

He hurried back along the several passages, locked the 
heavy iron door, and took the key with him. Ketracing 
his steps, he passed the window through which he had 
hurled the missile, and kept on his way until he arrived at 
another door. 

He laid his hand upon the knob, and the door opened. 
He stepped back, a startled look on his face, for he was 
almost dazzled by a sudden blaze of light. 

The windows were closed; gas-jets were flaring in every 
direction; a deadened din filled the room; men in paper 


DAEKE DAEKELL. 


71 


caps stood beside machinery; others sat on high stools, 
green cap-lids shading their eyes; others flitted hither and 
thither in padded slippers. 

Before Darke could take in half of the details he was con- 
fronted by two men, each with a hand on the revolver in his 
belt. They seemed greatly surprised at seeing Darke. He 
boldly faced them trusting to his wits to help him through. 

^^What is your name?^^ demanded one of the men. 

F. G. Vanderbilt/^ promptly answered Darke, giving 
the name on the mysterious card. 

Where from?” 

Shumwyck,” again depending on the mysterious card. 

The two men exchanged glances. 

The countersign?” demanded the challenger. 

Precardo,” answered Darke, giving the name he had 
deciphered from the chalk markings on the door of the 
dungeon. 

The men saw that he possessed enough of their secret to 
make it probable that he was there as a friend. 

Who sent you?” asked the man who had not yet spoken. 

Pedro Cassandra,” boldly answered Darke. 

Pedro Cassandra is dead,” the man said. 

^^Yes,” substantiated Darke. Tim Jordan is coming 
on with the body.” 

You know Tim?” 

Darke winked knowingly. 

What brought you here?” asked the first challenger, 

I came on a mission,” answered Darke. 

Of what character?” 

I must be wary,” cautiously answered Darke. The 
message may not be for you.” 

For Fenton, probably,” the man said, half to himself. 

It was the only bit of information that Darke had re- 
ceived from them, and he at once availed himself of it. 
Quick as thought, and yet not without intense mental ap- 


72 


DARKE DARRELL. 


plication he selected the numerals from the card which 
stood for Fenton. 

My mission is to 1-7-5-12-22-5. whoever that may be/" 
declared Darke. "" I fixed the numbers and their order 
well in my mind. I couldn"t do otherwise, as nothing else 
afterward passed Mr. Cassandra"s lips. He was hurt inter- 
nally, you see."" 

Everything had followed so naturally that the men were 
entirely deceived. 

The message is for Mr. Fenton,"" averred one of the 
men. Written -or verbal?"" 

Here,"" Darke said, tapping on his forehead. 

The men smiled. 

'‘Where is Mr. Fenton?"" asked Darke. 

" He is not in. He may be, in half an hour. Come in 
and be seated."" 

Darke stepped into the room, feeling very much re- 
lieved. But what plausible message could he manufacture 
for Mr. Fenton? Might he not be still waist-deep in peril? 

" Dealt any in the stuff?"" asked one of the men. 

" A little,"" answered Darke. 

" One of Tim"s pupils?"" 

Darke answered by shrugging his shoulders. 

" How"s this?"" stopping beside one of the printing presses, 
and handing a newly printed bank-bill to Darke. " Couldn"t 
swear that isn"t genuine, eh?"" 

"Ho, replied Darke. "The chief difficulty may be in 
signing them."" 

"Yes. Fenton isn’t as good at that as Mr. Cassandra 
was."" 

" I must get Tim to let me ' shove" some of that,"" ob- 
served D^frke. 

"Oh, he"ll not forget you. You have a superior master. 
What Tim Jourdan doesn’t know is hardly worth knowing."" 

There was a tall, boyish-looking fellow working at the 


DAEKE DABRELL. 


73 


inking-table. Darkens eyes happened to rest upon him, 
and he at once recognized him as his old street chum, Jeff 
Potter. 

Months had gone by since their conversation in the 
street, and Jeff had been making rapid advances in his 
career of crime. 

Darke felt uneasy. Should Jeff recognize him he would 
at once denounce him. 

Darke hurried on, pretending to be interested in some of 
the other processes, the two men still acting as chaperons. 

One of the workmen, with a green shade over his eyes, 
was engraving a copper-plate, and Darke stopped to 
watch him, not so closely, though, as not to keep one on 
Jeff Potter. 

Suddenly his heart fell within him, for he saw Jeff 
bustling forward. He stopped in front of Darke and looked 
him squarely in the face. 

Precardo!” he exclaimed, pointing at Darke. Pre- 
cardo! That is Darke Darrell, the Boy Detective of Bal- 
timore.^^ 


DABKE DAKRELL. 


74 


CHAPTER XIV. 

A MODEL POLICEMAN. 

Mr. Pedro Cassandra joined his wife in the hall. 

Why, how is this? the reader may ask. Was not Pedro 
Cassandra killed by the railroad accident? 

The man who was killed was not the real Pedro Cassan- 
dra. That was not his right name, and he had no claim to 
it whatsoever. 

Mrs. Cassandra was handsomely attired, her dress neat, 
elegant, and fashionable in all its appointments. A little 
boy, just as elegantly dressed, stood beside her; and one 
glance at the face of the boy would have convinced even a 
casual observer that he was neai in kin to the Italian-faced 
little girl just then locked up in a room of Aunt Carlina^s 
residence. 

Mr. Pedro Cassandra was an erect, finely formed man, 
slightly feeble-looking, considerably older than his wife, yet 
with but very few gray hairs in his head, beard, or mus- 
tache. He carried a gold-headed cane, and a massive gold 
chain was looped across his satin vest. 

He had left the doors of the parlor open as he stepped 
into the hall, and, from a glimpse to be had of the apart- 
ment, it was to be seen that the Cassandras were wealthy. 

He tugged at his tightly fitting glove, and looked fondly 
at his wife. 

I am quite ready, my dear,^^ he said, his voice sweet, 
and with scarcely any foreign accent. 

There is one thing you must promise me, Pedro, said 
his wife, more determinedly than appealingly. 


DAKKE DAEKELL. 


7 ^ 

Her skin was just as fair as kis was dark, and it was evi- 
dent that she had no Italian blood in her veins. 

And what was that, my dear?^^ the fond look still in 
his eyes. 

Vascar shall sit for his picture to-day.'^ 

Vascar was the name of the little boy at her side. 

I have no objection, my dear. Nay, I rather prefer 
that he should;^^ and Mr. Cassandra playfully caught at the 
tassel on his little son’s cap. 

If we had had a photograph of Leotine,” a vibrating sad- 
ness in her tone, we could no doubt have found our lost 
child long ere this.” 

Hardly, my dear,” shaking his head, sadness also 
touching his voice and face. Leotine was never brought 
to America.” 

I believe that she was,” answered his wife, though not 
in a contradictosy tone. I am just as sure that I saw her 
face through a street-car window as I am sure that I am 
looking into Vascar’s face now.” 

You forget that we spent weeks and a fortune, almost, 
yet failed to prove your assertion to be correct,” reminded 
he. 

We despaired too soon,” was her reply. New York 
is a large place.” 

And a great many children who may look very much 
like Leotine, especially when seen through a street-car win- 
dow from the sidewalk.” 

A look of vexation crossed her face, but she made no re- 
ply. She passed out, holding her little boy by the hand. 

Pedro, see that the door is well secured,” she cau- 
tioned. 

They left the house together, Mrs. Cassandra accommo- 
dating her step to the slow, rather feeble step of her hus- 
band, and the little boy talking vivaciously, and pointing 
hither and thither, 


76 


DARKE DARRELL. 


They turned into a quiet by-street, and came out on the 
street upon which the house fronted in which the events 
had occurred as recorded in previous chapters. 

Just as they came opposite the house, Darke Darrell 
hurled his missile through one of the upper windows. 

There was a crash, and a fall of shattered glass. The 
tiny paper parcel fell upon the parasol with which Mrs. 
Cassandra was shading her face from the sun. 

It dropped from the parasol to the sidewalk, and Mrs. 
Cassandra picked it up. 

What does it mean?^^ she asked. Was it an accident, 
or was it purposed? Take my parasol for a moment, Pedro, 
while I see what the parcel contains.^'’ 

He took the parasol, and they kept slowly on their way, 
she quietly undoing the string. 

Mr. Cassandra closely watched her. When he saw her 
unroll the copper pistol-cartridge, he suddenly exclaimed: 

^^Take care, my dearP^ 

She dropped the cartridge upon the sidewalk. 

Why did you frighten me in that way?” she asked, a 
little angrily. 

I was afraid it might be some infernal machine,” ex- 
. plained he. 

"^Nothing dangerous about this, at least” she said, show- 
him the dollar bill. "" There is a letter inclosed. Some 
one is in distress.” 

She stopped, then stepped close to the house, in order to 
leave the sidewalk free. She read the messages to herself, 
then aloud to her husband. 

It is some trick,” he declared. 

"'No, Pedro!” her tone positive, a look of concern on her 
face. " People do not fling money away in a joke. It is a 
genuine appeal. The writer of it is really in distress, and 
prompt action is necessary.” 


DAKKE DARBELL. 


77 


^'Perhaps you are right/' rejoined he. is quite a 

walk to the nearest telegraph office." 

We can give the message to some one who will attend 
to it," suggested Mrs. Cassandra. There was money in- 
closed to compensate them. Fortunately, there is a police- 
man approaching." 

He may not be trustworthy," suggested he. 

ril pass my opinion about him when I have talked to 
him," replied she. 

When the policeman came opposite to them she stopped 
him. His face was intelligent; he was gentlemanly in his 
bearing and deportment; his uniform indicated that he was 
a sergeant on the force. 

A commission has just come to us, in a rather odd way, 
and we confess our inability to attend to it," her voice clear 
and distinct, the policeman all attention. These two 
slips of paper, together with the dollar bill, all fastened to 
a missile, were thrown out of a window, falling directly at 
my feet." 

First we heard the crash of glass," added Mr. Cassan- 
dra. Read it, and let me have your opinion." 

The officer took the two slips of paper and read their con- 
tents, a grave look on his face. 

A genuine case of distress?" inquired Mrs. Cassandra, 
keenly watching every expression of his countenance. 

Without a doubt," he said, earnestly. ^^The house 
from which it is dated has been under surveillance for days. 

I know the gentleman to whom, the dispatch is addressed. 
It is signed by a lad better known in our profession as the 
^Boy Detective of Baltimore,' and he would be just bold 
enough to venture into such a place without sufficient sup- 
port. I'll hurry to headquarters and report the matter 
there. It will result in a descent upon the place and the 
capture of the entire gang. The dispatch can be sent after- 


78 


DAKKE DAREELL. 


ward. Aid from his Baltimore associates would come too 
late.” 

You have set my mind very much at ease,” replied Mrs. 
Cassandra. Please hurry.” 

He touched his cap, and walked off at a rapid gait. 


DABKE DARRELL. 


79 


CHAPTEK XV. 

TIM^S AMAZEMER'T. 

Tim Jordan and Aunt Carlina were seated at a table in 
the dining-room. 

A decanter and a glass stood in front of the ruffian, and 
he drank freely of the liquor, as if nerving himself for some 
fiendish work. 

The woman sat near him, her long arms resting on the 
table, her face moody and averted. 

How long is Leotine to remain penned up?^^ she asked. 

Until she^s docile. 

Did you unbind her?^^ 

Yes. I didnT want to be too rough. 

^^Did you search her?^^ 

What would that have been for?^^ sluggishly lifting his 
face. 

She carries a Spanish dirk.^^ 

And may cut her throat with it? Let her,^^ with a low 
laugh. 

She may have matches about her.” 

And set the house on fire? Hot a bit of it. She has a 
violent temper, but is too sensible to bring needless peril 
upon herself. I tell you, Carlina,” with an oath, I am 
more afraid of her than I am of the boy. Unless we can 
restore her amiability, she will ^blow^ on us, just as sure as 
you live.” 

There was a good deal of truth in that, so Aunt Carlina 
made no reply. 

^^IsnT there one of Cassandra^s revolvers about the 
house, asked the ruffian. 


80 


BAEKE DABRELL. 


his bedroom/^ answered the woman. ^^What do 
you want with it?” 

Get it!” he ordered^ with a scowl. 

What do you want with it?” she asked again. 

''To shoot down the trap with it, if you must know,” 
adding a fierce oath. 

" Ifil not get it,” resolutely, her lips compressed. 

He .rose, an angry glare in his eyes. He controlled his 
passion, however. 

" Fortunately, you told me where to look for it,” he said. 
"In the meantime, get me a rope and a lantern.” 

He walked toward the door. The woman hesitated for a 
second. 

" Here is the key,” she said, tossing it to him. 

" It was clever in you to remind me of that,” he said, 
with a grin, as he caught the key. " Have the rope and 
lantern ready by the time I return.” 

He ascended to the bedroom, secured the revolver, found 
it loaded and in order, and returned to the dining-room 
with it. 

A lantern was burning on the table, and a coil of thin 
rope was beside it. 

Tim poured out a glass of liquor, emptied it, smacked his 
lips, took up the rope and lantern, and said: 

" I am taking all this on myself. You needn’t be any 
wiser than you are now, unless you come 'nosing’ about,” 
with a diabolical grin. 

He left the room, and the woman sank into a chair, her 
hands in her lap, a look of fear on her face. 

Tim ascended to the library. He tied the lantern to one 
end of the rope; then he touched a secret spring; the trap- 
door dropped, and a cold current of air came up from the 
dungeon below. 

He listened but heard no sound. He commenced to 


DARKE DARRELL. 


81 


lower the lantern into the opening, by means of the rope, 
with one hand, while he held the revolver in the other. 

He was afraid to lean over the opening, for he did not 
know how soon Darke might lodge a ball in his brain. He 
also was careful not to lower the lantern too far, for in that 
case Darke could have seized and extinguished it. 

How do you like it down there, anyhow cried Tim, 
tauntingly. ^^Or did you break your neck when you fell? 
I reckon, my boy, that your timers about up.^^ 

The light flickered upon the walls and floor of the dun- 
geon. 

Tim heard no sounds — saw no object which resembled 
Darke. He grew bolder; he knelt down and peered into 
the opening; he lowered the lantern still farther, and flung 
the light flrst into this corner, then into that. 

He saw that the door was closed; he saw the table, the 
grated window, the flight of steps. He shifted the light 
in every direction, and so rapidly that it was not possible 
for Darke to evade him by dodging from one dusky corner 
to the other. 

The fact slowly dawned upon Tim^s mind that Darke was 
no longer in the dungeon. 


82 


DABEE DABEELL. 


CHAPTER XVL 
leotine's revenge. 

Leotine did not stand in the room long, clenching her 
hands and nursing her anger. 

She chafed for freedom; she longed to revenge herself 
upon her enemies. 

^^What room is this?^’ she asked herself . Just now I am 
a trifle bewildered. Oh, it is the room above the library. 
Who knows but what there may be a trap-door in this room, 
too?’^ 

She lifted the carpet, hut saw no indications of an 
opening. 

She went to the window, and, to her surprise and grati- 
fication she found it unfastened. Taking a sheet from the 
bed, she tore it into long, narrow strips, yet not so narrow 
as not to he able to support her weight. 

She tied the strips together, careful to see that every knot 
was secure. In that way she formed a sort of a rope, quite 
long enough for her purpose, completing it in a surprisingly 
short time. 

The bedstead which was in the room was a light one. 
She pushed it over to the window, lengthwise across it, 
careful to make no noise. 

Next she firmly secured one end of the rope around the 
post of the bedstead, and flung the other end of the rope 
out of the window. 

She saw that she could safely and easily reach the balcony. 
She crawled out of the window and lowered herself by the 
rope which she had made; lowered herself hand over hand. 


DARKE DARRELL. 


83 


like a sailor, and with much grace, dexterity, and self- 
possession. 

She stepped softly along the balcony; a cat could not have 
made less noise. She stopped beside the door which opened 
into the library and listened. 

She heard no noise inside. She put her hand on the 
knob, and softly opened the door, scarcely an inch at a 
time, for she did not know who might be in the room. 

Once inside of it, she as noiselessly reclosed the door. 
She flashed her eyes about her, intuitively realizing that 
there was some one in the room. She judged, too, by the 
coldness of the air, that the trap was open. 

Looking in that direction she saw something that caused 
a thrill of exultation to pass over her. 

Tim Jordan was sitting over the opening, with his legs 
dangling into it. A few faint rays of the lantern, which 
stood on the floor of the dungeon, shot upward and flickered 
on the ceiling of the library. 

She heard his exclamation of disappointment and surprise, 
and knew that Darke had made his escape, from the dun- 
geon at least. 

Suddenly a look of delight, that had something flendish 
in it, crossed her face. 

“I had no idea that an opportunity for revenge would 
come so soon,^^ she thought, with repressed gleefulness. 

And in kind, too! Fll see how he likes being imprisoned.” 

She glided through the shadows with a cat-like stealth- 
iness, her hands thrust in front of her, her eyes beaming, her 
lips flrmly compressed. 

Not a creak of the floor, not a rustle of her dress, not an 
overdrawn breath. She stopped just behind him, as if to 
gather her strength. 

Tim had not the slightest suspicion that his enemy was 
so near. He still held his revolver in his hand, and it was 
cocked. 


84 


DARKE DARRELL. 


He rested his other hand on the edge of the trap, to aid 
him in lifting his legs out of the hole. 

While thus balancing himself, Leotine saw her oppor- 
tunity. She gave him a violent push, so violent that she 
was almost carried into the opening herself. 

Of course there was nothing to save the ruffian. He 
caught at the air. He pronounced Carlina^s name, and 
cursed her, supposing it was she who had turned upon 
him. 

He fell heavily to the floor of the dungeon, his revolver 
accidentally discharging as he fell. 


DAEKE DARRELL. 


85 


CHAPTER XVIL 

PLAYING INCENDIARY. 

Ho sooner had Tim Jordan touched the floor of the dun- 
geon than Leotine commenced to pull up the rope, to one 
end of which the lantern was attached. 

Both secured, she untied the lantern and stood it behind 
her; then she taunted her victim, keeping back from the 
opening, however, for she knew that Tim was wicked 
enough to shoot at her. 

How do you like it down there, anyhow?’^ she asked, in 
vindictive triumph. 

He swore at her loudly and roundly, which indicated that 
he had not been seriously injured. 

If I could only tumble Aunt Carlina in there after you, 
I would almost fancy myself happy, laughing discordantly 
again. Carlina! Uncle Timr^ flerce vindict- 

iveness, a proof that she had not been deceived by any pre- 
tended relationship. If you call up to me how to shut 
the trap, Fll promise to send you something to eat.^^ 

Just then she heard a footfall on the stair-way. Suspect- 
ing that Aunt Carlina was approaching the library, Leotine 
sprang away from the opening, and concealed herself be- 
hind the door. 

She had hardly done so ere Aunt Carlina entered the 
room, thus leaving Leotine behind her. 

There was a look of alarm on her face. She had heard 
the report of the pistol, and supposed that a murder had 
been committed, a deed against which she had strongly pro- 
tested. 

She took a few steps into the room, clutching the folds 


86 DARKE DABBELL. 

of her dress with both hands, for she was very much 
agitated. 

I guess you^re satisfied now, Tim Jordan, since the ugly 
work is done,” she said, hei voice trembling. I wash my 
hands of the whole of it.” 

Tim made no reply, because he had not heard her. 

She started toward the opening; she saw the rope and the 
lantern, but no signs of Tim. 

He has descended into the trap,” she thought, with a 
shudder. ^^To finish the bloody job with his knife, no 
doubt,” an ashen pallor coming, into her face. 

She walked toward the opening. Leotine followed 
closely and noiselessly at her heels, for she knew that if 
Aunt Carlina engaged in conversation with Tim, she might 
be foiled in her design of tumbling her in after him. 

Aunt Carlina stared into the hole. 

Are you down there, Tim?” she asked. 

Go see!” cried Leotine, with a sudden push. 

Aunt Carlina screamed and flung up her hands, but that 
did not avail her. Headforemost into the opening she went. 
Leotine's laugh of triumph informed her to whom she was 
indebted for the mishap. 

There^s a pair of them,” commented Leotine. How, 
how is the trap closed? I remember, Tim stood leaning be- 
side the mantel the first time the trap fell."’^ 

She picked up the lantern and walked to the mantel. Her 
keen eyes were not long in detecting a little knob, set in the 
wall. She pressed against it ; a dull sound followed, a rush 
of wind passed her, and she knew that the trap-door had 
swung back into its place. 

They may get out of that as best they can,” she mut- 
tered. If they ever catch me they will show me no mercy, 
ril leave the house at once and forever, but not empty- 
handed, if I can help it. How this brings to mind the 
answer which I gave Darke when he asked me to leave my 


DARKE DARRELL. 


87 


vile associates. What has become of him! Goodness! he 
may have walked into the workshop — right into the jaws of 
deaths 

She drew up her shoulders, just as if a cold current of air 
had blown upon them; then she picked up the lantern and 
left the library. 

When she said to herself that she was not going to leave 
the house empty-handed, she meant that she intended to 
carry off much that was valuable. 

In carrying out her design, the first room which she 
visited was Aunt Oarlina^s. 

A small Eussia-leather bag caught her eye. She seized it, 
opened it, and thrust into it such articles of jewelry as were 
scattered about on the bureau. 

Ill-gotten gains from the start, she muttered. I have 
as much right to them as she had." 

She opened the upper bureau-drawer. She saw Mr. Cas- 
sandra's pocket-book and watch, and tranferred them to 
the bag. Next she disposed of the belt in the same way. A 
pile of new, crisp notes attracted her attention. 

^^ril not touch them," she thought, with a shrug. 

They're too new. They're vile! They might get me into 
trouble." 

From Aunt Carlina's room she went to her own. She ex- 
perienced more trouble there, in selecting just what to take 
along, she was attracted to so many articles. 

However she arrayed herself in her best dress, put on 
most of her jewelry, and stowed the rest away in the bag. 

Where shall I go?" she asked herself, as she seized the 
bag. I'll leave it all to circumstances. I'd go to Darke's 
mother, at Baltimore, if I knew that Darke was safe." 

She ruminated a second or two, then her eyes rested upon 
the lantern. 

^^Why shouldn't I?" a bright expression quickly flash- 
ing across her face. Eoast them alive, like rats in a hole. 


88 


DABKE DAEKELL. 


It will be the surest and quickest way to bring the police 
down on them.” 

What wicked thought had entered into Leotine's head? 

She took the lamp out of the globe of the- lantern. She 
applied it to the curtains of her bed, and to her dresses in 
the wardrobe, and soon the bright flames were hissing and 
creeping in every direction. 

ril set a few more rooms a crackling, just to make sure 
of it,” she thought, the exultant look still on her face. 

She flred the room adjoining. She entered Aunt Car- 
lina’s room again, and tossed the lamp right into the mid- 
dle of the bed. 

The house is Ailing with smoke already,” thought she. 

It is time for me to be getting out. What if I wouldnT 
be able to get the front door open?” 

She started in alarm, grasped the bag, and hurried swiftly 
down the wide stair-way which led to the hall. 


DAEKE DAKKELL. 


89 


CHAPTER XVIII. 

IN DESPAIR. 

Tim Jordan was very much astonished when Aunt Oarlina 
came tumbling into the opening. He at first supposed her 
to be Leotine, but saw his mistake when he attempted to lift 
her up. 

She had fallen upon her left shoulder, almost with force 
enough to dislocate it. The pain was so great that she 
moaned, and went off into a swoon, which, however, did 
not last more than a minute. 

She remembered where she was, and what had occurred. 

Tim, I do believe I have broken my shoulder-blade," 
rubbing it with her right hand, her face white and distorted 
from pain. That girl is a perfect little demon." 

Entirely too smart for both of us, it seems," replied 
Tim, with a grin, adding an oath as he saw and heard the 
trap-door glide back into its place. 

Suddenly Aunt Oarlina thought of Darke. She shuddered 
and peered furtively into the shadowy corners, expecting to 
see a dead body somewhere. 

^^The boy?" she asked, catching her companion by the 
arm, her voice tremulous. 

Oh, he’s smarter than the girl," growled Tim. He 
escaped." 

^^How?" 

1 haven’t looked yet. Through the door, no doubt.” 

It’s always locked." 

^‘Then he found the key." 

It leads to ’’ 

I know," interrupted Tim. I hope he brought right 


90 


DAEKE DAERELL. 


up among tlie boys. But he^s so quick and cunning that I 
wouldn^t be surprised to hear that he had outwitted them.” 

His face darkened with passion, for it was bitter to make 
such an admission as that, Darke being a mere boy. 

It's close in here,” observed Aunt Carlina, and I want 
to rub my shoulder with liniment. I believe I have sprained 
my ankle, too. I can walk, though, if you allow me to 
lean on you a little. Let us go.” 

Where?” asked Tim. 

Why, out of this hole,” with some impatience. 

^^How?” asked Tim, with provoking persistency. 

^^The way the boy went. We will meet our friends, not 
his.” 

Tim laughed sardonically. 

You are very unsophisticated,” he growled. Do you 
think the little rascal went through that door without lock- 
ing it after him? Not likely. We are in for a week any- 
how.” 

The woman's face fell, a look of alarm crossing it. 

‘'^Why, we'd starve, Tim,” she exclaimed. ^^We could 
pick a hole through the wall in less than a week.” 

Oh, we'll get out somehow,” Tim replied, but not in a 
tone that made his companion hopeful. I haven't looked 
for the key yet, nor have I tried the door.” 

He felt under the stone steps; the key was not there; he 
tried the door; it was locked. 

When he announced the fact to Aunt Carlina, her un- 
easiness increased. 

j! What's to be done, Tim?” she asked, dejectedly. 

* ^^We can escape through the grating by taking out two 
' of the iron bars,” he said. We might signal successfully 
for help, too. The first thing to be done is to get this table 
away from the wall. I must have something to stand on in 
order to get at the grating.” 

He took out his knife. 


DAKKE DAKEELL. 


91 


The tablets iron/^ she said, placing her hand on it. 

I know/^ gruffly. I have merely to sever a link in 
this chain. I can get through it in an hour." 

^^It^s getting darker, isn^t it?" she asked. 

Of course. It is later in the day." 

But it seems to me it^s smoke. Don^t you smell smoke?" 

Tim said he didn^t. 

What noise is that?" the question preceded and followed 
by a rumbling noise. 

Flashes of light came in at the grating. Tim knew, then! 
He swore roundly. 

‘^Hon^t you comprehend?" fiercely, a pallor filling his 
face. Leotine^s set fire to the house!" 

Aunt Carlina was appalled. A faint cry broke from her 
lips; her face grew white and rigid; she clasped her hands 
together, forgetting her wounded arm, and sank to the fioor 
in a stupor of despair. 


92 


DAEKE DAEEELL. 


CHAPTEK XIX. 
daeke's pluck. 

Darke saw his peril, and realized that nothing but quick 
and decided action would save him. He saw that it would 
not avail him to deny, or to keep up his deception, with 
Jeff Potter staring him in the face. 

One of the men reached for his revolver, but found it 
tangled in his belt. Darke dealt him a violent blow in 
the face, then ran swiftly along the room, dodging in and 
out among the tables and machinery, thereby avoiding sev- 
eral bullets that were sent after him. 

Beyond was another room, separated by a board partition, 
and Darke knew that from that room the windows opened 
which overlooked the one-story building outside, and the 
low-roofed shed which joined it. The reader will remem- 
ber that Darke had made, from the room where he had 
slept, an accurate observation of the court, and the gate- 
way which led to it. 

He bounded into the room in question, closed the door, 
locked it, then shoved a heavy piece of machinery against 
it, thereby still more baffling his pursuers. 

The room seemed to be used more for a store-room than 
anything else. A feeble old man, who had heard the pis- 
tol-shots, was the only occupant in the room. He stepped 
across Darkens path, scarcely knowing whether to look upon 
him as a friend or foe. 

He knew, however, in what light to regard him a second 
thereafter, for he found himself spinning across the floor 
under a blow in the face from Darke’s sturdy flst. 


DARKE DARRELL. 


93 


The rest of the gang were swearing roundly, and were 
trying to break the door open from the other side. 

All this did not occupy as much time as we do in narrat- 
ing it. 

Darke raised a window — a leap — then another — and his 
feet touched the paved court. He ran swiftly to the gate, 
and unfastened it at the first attempt. 

Just as he darted out of the gate ,he was seized by two 
men. He struggled desperately against them, but found it 
of no avail. 

^‘You may as well simmer down," advised one of his 
captors. 

This is an outrage," declared Darke, glaring into the 
speaker's face. 

The man grinned, and took possession of Darkens re- 
volver. 

That will cost you more than you have any idea of," 
Darke said, menacingly. 

‘^Oh, of courser^ laughed the man. 

Whom do you take me for?" fiercely asked Darke. 

^^For what you are," answered the man; ^^one of a gang 
of counterfeiters. We have had our eyes on this house for 
some time." 

Oh!" ejaculated Darke, who felt quite relieved. You 
are detectives. Why didn't you say so sooner?" 

^^You have found it out soon enough," rejoined the 
officer. Any more rats to come out of the same hole? 

Boys, I think I have got the laugh on you," Darke 
said, with a grin. ^^We work in the same mine. I am 
Darke Darrell, the boy detective of Baltimore. 

The two men looked at each other. 

That's too thin," one of them said. 

^^All right," answered Darke, with a shrug of resigna- 
tion. Jog along with me. I've only tp telegraph to Mr. 
Vincent Marks, chief of the Baltimore Detective Force. 


94 


DARKE DARRELL. 


The two men again exchanged glances. Two other men 
joined them from across the way. They, too, were detec- 
tives, and Darke recognized one of them. 

"'Helloa, Patsey!'' cried Darke; donT you mind how we 
^ worked up^ that diamond robbery at Cape May between 
us 

^^DonT I, my jolly boy?^^ with a grab at Darkens hand, 
^^How did you get out of there?” with a nod toward the 
house. Word came to headquarters that you were in a 
tight place.” 

I knocked down a couple of the ruffians, then jumped 
out of the second-story window,” answered Darke. ^^We 
can make a fine catch here, if we are sharp. Patsey, intro- 
duce me to your friends.” 

^^Eh?” and Patsey stared. ^^Why, donT you know 
each other? I saw you were having a confab.” 

I introduced myself, but your friends were not suffi- 
ciently amiable to reciprocate,” answered Darke, with a 
grin. 

^‘iMr. Wentworth, Mr. Downey, Mr. Redfield, better 
known as Bow-Legs,” and Patsey waved his hand to each in 
turn. Gentlemen, this is Darke Darrell, the Boy Dectec- 
tive of Baltimore. He is game all the way through.” 

Darkens captors colored, and looked crest-fallen. 

Don’t apologize, gentlemen,” laughed Darke. I 
don’t blame you for not believing me; I’m very mulish 
in that respect myself. I was cornered in there, and 
nothing but ' gumption’ saw me through. I scrawled off a 
message, and fiung it out of the window. 

And it came straight to the office,” declared one of the 
men. Had you mentioned that sooner, we would have 
believed you at once.” 

^^Say!” suddenly exclaimed one of the men, pointing. 

Isn’t that smoke rolling up against the window there? 


DARKE DARRELL. 


95 


Look, I see the flash of flames. It was shabby in you, Mr. 
Darrell to Are their nest in that way.^^ 

It wasn^t any of my work,"^ declared Darke, his cheeks 
blanching for a second, as he thought of Leotine. It is 
in the main building, and is increasing in volume. It must 
be extinguished, or we will not make much of a capture, 
either of miscreants or materials. 

The alarm spread; a crowd gathered; policemen hurried 
to the spot; a steam flre-engine came thundering along the 
street. 

Suddenly the front door opened, and Leotine stood upon 
the steps, the smell of smoke clinging to her attire. 

She clutched the handle of the little bag in one hand, 
and a parasol in the other. There was a frightened look on 
her face, partly caused by her consciousness of a guilty 
action, and partly because a crowd of people had accu- 
mulated. 

r She flashed her eyes about her, and saw Darke just beside 
the gate- way. Her face brightened with gladness. She 
saw that he had escaped — that no immediate peril threat- 
ened him. 

Darke she cried, to let him know that she, too, was 

safe. 

Seize that girl !” he cried, hurrying toward her, the 
other detectives at his heels. 

Leotine leaped from the steps, and darted among the 
crowd. Policemen were placing a cordon of ropes about 
the front of the building. They stepped between Leotine 
and her pursuers, and she effected her escape. 


BAEKE DABEELL. 


% 


CHAPTER XX. 

IS leotine!^^ 

After delivering the dispatches to the policeman, Mr. 
Pedro Cassandra and his wife continued on their way to 
the photograph gallery. 

I cannot get rid of that presentiment,” Mrs. Cassandra 
declared, lifting her hand to her forehead. 

Do not be so silly, my dear,” was all the comfort he 
gave her. 

They stepped in the door-way of the gallery, to examine 
the photographs displayed there, little Vascar for the first 
time getting an idea of what a photograph was like. 

They slowly ascended the stair- way, for Mr. Cassandra 
was not strong, and the walk had tired him. The room 
reached, he sat down in an easy-chair, and wiped the per- 
spiration from his forehead. 

His wife at once entered in conversation with the lady 
attendant, who explained to her the different prices and 
styles of photographs. 

The vignette and the cabinet sizes are the most popu- 
lar,” the lady said. Partly because of their cheapness, 
partly because of the rage for photograph albums. I will 
show you a sample of each.” 

She opened a show-case and took out two photographs, 
and handed them to Mrs. Cassandra, who first looked at 
one, then at the other. 

When her eyes rested upon the latter, her pupils dilated, 
her face widened with surprise, an ejaculation broke from 
her lips, the picture shaking in her hands. 

Mr. Cassandra!” she called. 


DARKE DARRELL. 


97 


There was something in the tone of her voice which 
brought him to her side at once. 

^"This picture!” she gasped, thrusting it into his hand. 

It was the photograph of a little gipsy-faced girl, with a 
wealth of dark, curly hair, and black eyes, which looked 
straight at one. 

His wife^s agitation extended to him. 

^^It is Leotine!” he exclaimed, with positiveness. 

Mrs. Cassandra became all the more excited because his 
opinion coincided with hers. 

Do you know who this is?” she asked of the lady, strug- 
gling to regain her self-possession. 

I do not,” answered the lady. 

When was it taken? Does anybody about the estab- 
lishment know? How can I possibly find out?” asked Mrs. 
Cassandra, in breathless haste. 

Be calm, dear,” tenderly whispered her husband. 

The lady attendant did not know how she could be en- 
lightened. 

Perhaps it is necessary for me to explain my surprise 
and agitation,” Mrs. Cassandra said, her lips quivering. 

Five years ago, while living in Italy, our little girl was 
stolen from us, and we could obtain no trace of her what- 
ever. To find her picture in this country, and to come 
upon it in such an accidental manner, has been quite a 
shock to us, I assure you.” 

^^I can readily understand that,” replied the lady. 

Numbers of children look alike. It may be a mere resem- 
blance that has disturbed you. Five years would make 
quite a change in a child.” 

Of course,” impatiently admitted Mrs. Cassandra. 
^^But in this instance I am not deceived. If we could 
find the child by means of this picture, the matter would 
be decided in one way or another.” 


98 


DAEKE DAKRELL. 




Do you not number your negatives asked Mr. Cas- 
sandra, who knew more about the art than his wife. 

That had not occurred to the lady. She reached for 
the photograph, turned it, and saw that the number of 
the negative was written on the back of it. 

Perhaps we are to have a clew, after all,^^ she said, 
opening a book which lay on the show-case. 

She turned over the leaves. 

The negative is number 2678,” she said. Opposite 
to that number I find written, ^ Leotine Cassandra, City.^ ” 
Light broke over the waiting faces. i 

‘^It is she!” cried Mrs. Cassandra, clasping her hands 
hysterically. That is her name — Leotine Cassandra.” 

^^The word ^City^ is not a very definite address,” re- 
marked Mr. Cassandra, his face working. 

No,” substantiated the lady. The pictures were not ^ 
ordered to be sent. They were to be called for.” ] 

^^We are but little the wiser,” Mr. Cassandra sadly ob- J 
served. Still, it is very cheering to know that she is 0 

alive, that she retains her own name, that she is in this ; 

city. It is something to know where to look for her.” 

do not believe that she is suffering from want,” ^ 
commented Mrs. Cassandra, who had obtained possession 
of the picture again. She is prettily attired; that neck- r. 
lace is gold; there is a bright, happy expression on her > 
face.” 

/^Have you the negative of this picture?” asked Mr. i 

Cassandra. I' 

Yes, sir,” answered the lady. ?: 

^^Then make me a dozen copies,” ordered Mr. Cassan- J 
dra. They will enable the detectives to find her.” % 

The lady booked the order, and Mr. Cassandra paid the ^ 
money. i 

A bright-faced little boy, who belonged to the gallery, » 
overheard the conversation. " m 


DAKKE DARRELL. 


99 


Miss Lyle/^ he quietly said, ‘‘I know where that little 
girl lives. 

^^Oh! you do!” exclaimed Mrs. Cassandra, suddenly, 
gladly, turning upon the lad, her face shining with expec- 
tancy. 

Yes, ma^am,” in the same quiet tone. 

How is it that you know?” asked the lady in attend- 
ance. 

Do you not remember. Miss Lyle?” he asked. There 
was an ivory-type of her ordered. It took some time to finish 
it. When done I carried it to the house.” 

I do not remember,” replied Miss Lyle. 

Then it happened the week Miss Thompson was at the 
desk,” declared the boy. 

Where is the house?” asked Mrs. Cassandra, addressing 
the lad. 

On street,” replied he. 

^^What number?” 

I do not remember. I threw away the card. But I kno\? 
where the house is and can take you to it.” 

^^You can?” spoke up Mr. Cassandra, his face aglow-. 

Take us there at once,” handing the lad a silver dollar. 

The boy thrust the coin into his pocket, and reached fo? 
his hat. 

There is no hurry, my dear,” suggested Mrs. Cassandra, 
laying her hand on her husband^s arm. 

Why not?” asked he, with a stare,' picking up her para- 
sol, and supposing it was his cane. 

She will not run away,” rejoined the wife. An hour 
hence will do as well. We came here on a particular errand, 
you know.” 

He was excited, and irritated besides. 

A week hence will do as well for that,” turning part of 
her speech upon her. 

Vascar must sit for his picture.” 


100 


DARKE DARRELL. 


He half smothered a reply in Italian, and added an angry 
gesture. 

Are you not losing your temper, my dear?” she asked, 
her hand once more on his arm, a sweet smile upon her 
lips. 


DAEKE DAEBELL. 


101 


CHAPTER XXL 

KECOGNIZED. 

Why Darke had desired to ca].ture Leotine, he scarcely 
knew. Had she set fire to the house? Had she not been 
guilty of treachery toward him after all ? He began to think 
so — she had called to him in such pleased surprise — had 
shot him such a fond and yearning glance. 

Finding that she had effected her escape through the 
crowd, he turned his attention to the burning building. 

The firemen had forced open the door and windows, and 
were dragging their hose through the parlors, and up the 
wide stair-ways. 

In a few minutes the firemen had the fiames so much un- 
der their control, that Darke concluded it was safe to enter 
the house, if sufficient caution was exercised. 

He stationed a detetive at the door, and another at the 
gate, then entered the house, accompanied by Patsey and 
two of Patsey^s friends. 

He at once led the way to the library, the smoke break- 
ing away, the water rushing down the stairs like a small 
rivulet. He was on his way to the wing of the building, 
by the route he had taken after falling through the trap. 

How was he to open it? Where was the secret spring 
located? While puzzling over that, a fireman came into 
the library from the balcony. He had an ax in his hand. 

^^Hand me that, please, ordered Darke. 

The man obeyed, without asking by what authority. He 
caught the gleam of a badge on the coat collar of one of the 
detectives, and that was sufficient. 

Half a dozen vigorous blows with the ax, and the trap- 


102 


DAKKE DAKEELL. 


door went clattering to the bottom of the vault to the sur- 
prise of those who were looking on. 

A scream came up from below, and the coarse voice of a 
man cried out: 

^^Take care up there! Help us out of this, you firemen, 
and you shall be well paid.'^ 

Darke recognized Tim Jordan’s voice, and was rather 
surprised to find him in the dungeon. He could not have 
hurried hither from the wing, for the intervening door was 
locked, and Darke had the key of it in his pocket. Tim 
had said: Help out.” 

How many are down there?” thought Darke. I hope 
my friend Jeff Potter is one of them.” 

He called down the opening: 

^^We don’t ‘run the machine,’ Mr. Jordan. We want 
you. The less trouble you give us the better it will be for 
you.” 

An oath came back in reply, but not one breathing de- 
fiance. 

“Light that lamp,” ordered Darke, looking at Patsey, 
and pointing to the mantel. 

Patsey took down a lamp with a heavy bronze pedestal. 
He lit it and brought it to the opening. Darke had picked 
up the rope which Tim had carried thither. He dropped 
one end into the opening. 

“Descend,” Darke said, his eyes on Patsey. 

“ It isn't that I mind being ordered,” demurred Patsey; 
“but I d like to have some notion where I’m going to.” 

Hot into a well, anyhow,” growled Darke. “They will 
jnot lay a hand on you. If they do, we’ll kill them like so 
jmany rats. When down, hold the lamp, and the rest of us 
will jump down.” 

Thus assured, Patsey descended, lamp in hand, Darke 
bracing himself and holding the other end of the rope. 


IT OCCURRED TO ME THAT YOU MIGHT NO LONGER AS THE EVENING WORE AWAY SHE BEGAN TO GROW 

BE MISS CASSA^iDRA.” HUNGRY AND TIRED. 



i* 



104 


DARKE DARRELL. 


The light from the lamp flashed upon the faces of Tim 
and Carlina. The latter, white from fright, was leaning 
against the wall, one hand grasping her swollen shoulder. 

Hand me that,^^ Patsey ordered, pointing to the re- 
volver in Tim^s hand. 

Tim scowled, but at once complied. 

Darke and his companions leaped into the vault. The 
faces of half a dozen flremen appeared above the opening. 
The water thrown into the building by the fire-engines 
dripped through the floor; a damp, scorched, smoky smell 
pervaded everything. 

That door is locked, Darke said. How did you get 
in here?^^ his eyes on Tim. 

The same way you did, and about as fast," growled 
Tim. wasn't writing at the desk, though," with a 
grin. 

Darke did not comprehend. 

He was pushed in, head over heels," volunteered Aunt 
Carlina. 

Darke stared at her. 

Who pushed him in?" he asked. 

^^You might guess," answered Aunt Carlina, with a 
scowl. 

Leotine?" asked Darke, his face lighting up. 

^^Yes. She tricked me in the same way. I believe my 
shoulder-blade's broken. Tim came to see how you were 
getting along; I came to see how Tim was getting along. 
She came behind us. She first tumbled Tim into the hole, 
then me; then she set fire to the house. She's as bad as you 
can find them." 

The pleased look entirely overspread Darke's face. He 
scarcely knew why he should be so delighted at learning 
that Leotine had not only not taken part in the conspiracy 
against him, but had avenged it, so far as it had been in 
her power. 


DAEKE DAEEELL. 


105 


' The girl likes you, and so long as you keep on the fair 
side of her, well and good,^^ Aunt Carlina added. Cross 
her once or twice, and it won^t be so good,^^ with a meaning 
leer. 

Try these on, cap,^^ Patsey said, showing Tim a pair of 
handcuffs. 

The ruffian extended his hands without protesting 
against the indignity. 

^‘Not me, too asked Aunt Carlina, imploringly, her 
sharp cheek bones growing sharper. 

Why not, pray?” and Patsey grinned. 

^^No,” cut in Darke. ^^Pll be responsible for her. She 
will not run away.” 

Hardly, with my ankle sprained as it is,” declared she, 
her face distorted with pain. Mr. Darrell, I am badly 
hurt. My shoulder should be looked after.” 

Darke approached her with the lamp, and keenly eyed 
her. 

^^ni get you out of this as soon as I can,” he said. 
see you are in considerable pain.” 

One of the deteotives was left in charge of the two 
prisoners, and Darke, followed by his companions, pushed 
on toward the counterfeiters^ den. 

He showed his chum the shattered pane of glass through 
which he had hurled his dispatches. 

When they arrived in the work-room, they found nobody 
to arrest except the helpless old man whom Darke had dealt 
such a staggering blow but a little while before. The 
others, Jeff Potter included, had effected their escape in 
one direction or another. 

They had left behind them, however, their presses, tools, 
plates, dies, spurious coin, etc., and Darke felt that it was a 
capture which would add considerably to his fame. The 
pretended Pedro Cassandra dead, Tim Jordan a prisoner. 


106 


DAKKE DAERELL. 


and all their appliances captured, the gang and their oper- 
ations were badly broken up. 

They returned to the vault with the old man. A grin of 
satisfaction played around Tim Jordan's mouth when he 
saw that the others had escaped. Darke saw the grin and 
properly interpreted it. 

You haven't much to crow over," he said. 

Settling day hasn't come yet," growled Tim. 

^^Fortunately not, for you," retorted Darke. ^^Just 
charge this up against me with the rest." 

Hoisting tliemselves and their prisoners out of the vault, 
the whole party descended the drenched and smoky stair- 
way, passed through the hall, and out of the front door, 
where they learned that the detective in waiting had cap- 
tured one of the gang in the act of rushing through the 
gate. 

The fellow loudly protested his innocence; he declared 
that he had run into the court after the alarm of fire had 
been given. When Darke came out of the front door with 
his party, the detective hailed him. 

Darke Darrell, did you see this cove among the rest?" 

Darke looked. 

Ay, I did," he said. He would have shot me, hadn't 
his revolver caught in his belt. I gave him that bruised 
eye, as I hounded away." 

I told you it wasn't a go," the captor said to his prisoner. 

I'll present you with these bracelets for lying," and on 
went the handcuffs. 


DAEKE DAEEELL. 


107 


CHAPTEE XXII. 

^^SHE WAS STOLEN FKOM YOU 

When a satisfactory negative of little Vascar had been 
taken, the party left the photograph-gallery and started 
off in search of the abode of the lost Leotine, under the 
lead of the errand boy. 

When they approached the house they at once saw that 
something more than ordinary had happened. 

The street was barricaded with ropes; a vast crowd 
pressed against the ropes; a privileged group was inside 
of them; policemen were vociferating and shaking their 
clubs ; the firemen were reeling their hose ; the fire- 
engines had ceased their noisy palpitations; smoke coiled 
about the eaves; the water was ankle-deep in the streets; 
water dripped from the roof and window-ledges. 

^^My dear/- asked Mr. Cassandra, ^^is not that the 
house from the window of which the mysterious dispatch 
was flung 

^^I believe that it is, Pedro, answered she. ^‘1 hope 
the little detective came to no harm.” 

^^That is the house to which I was about to take you,” 
said the errand boy who belonged to the photograph- 
gallery. 

Mr. and Mrs. Cassandra started, the latter violently so. 

There!” with a gasp. ^"She may have been burned 
to death,” with a little scream and a forward bound. 

Her husband detained her. 

Be calm, my dear,” he said, with a strong restraint 
upon his own anxiety. I will make the necessary 
inquiries.'’^ 


108 


DARKE DARRELL. 


He pressed nearer to the ropes, his wife and little Vas- 
car at his side. 

fire — can’t you see?” was the first gruff answer to 
his inquiry. 

Mr. Cassandra turned to a policeman with a more genial 
face. 

‘^What else?” he asked. ^^Are not those two men in 
irons?” pointing into the space inclosed by the ropes. 

They belong to a gang of counterfeiters,” replied the 
policeman. ^^A descent has just been made upon their 
den.” 

Mrs. Cassandra suppressed a scream, and swiftly brought 
her hands together. 

Leotine in a house of that character!” she exclaimed. 

Was there anything seen of a little girl?” Mr. Cassan- 
dra asked. 

believe there was,” replied the policeman, thinking a 
moment. She ran out of the front door. It is supposed 
she set the house on fire.” 

Where is she now?” asked Mrs. Cassandra. 

That’s to find out,” answered the man. The detec- 
tives made a dive for her, but she effected her escape through 
the crowd.” 

Who owns the house?” 

I don’t know, sir. It was occupied by the leader of the 
gang, an Italian by the name of Pedro Cassandra.” 

As may be expected, the real Pedro Cassandra recoiled 
with astonishment. 

^^That is my name,” gasped he. 

Oh, it is!” and the policeman keenly eyed him. ‘‘Per- 
haps you are the last man who ought to ask questions.” 

“ Pedro,” said Mrs. Cassandra, loud enough for the 
policeman to hear, “ the scoundrel not only stole our child, 
but our name also. That explains one or two singular let- 


DAKKE DAKRELL. 


109 


ters which you received. They were not intended for 
you."" 

I am almost dumfounded/" replied the husband. Til 
find out all about this affair/" a resolute expression on his 
lips. 

The suspicions of the policeman were aroused; he conjec- 
tured that the little bit of by-talk was intended for him 
alone; he whispered a few words to another officer; the lat- 
ter passed in under the rope, and returned in a few min- 
utes, accompanied by Darke Darrell. 

^^Mr. Darrell, this is Mr. Pedro Cassandra,"" the com- 
municative policeman said. 

Pleased to see you, sir,"" answered Darke, extending his 
hand. 

Mrs. Cassandra"s handsome eyes were fastened upon 
Darke"s face. 

Are you the — the — boy-detective?"" she asked, her voice 
so much like Leotine"s that he gave her a second look. 

They call me that, I believe,"" he answered. 

^^We had your dispatches properly and promptly sent,"" 
she said. We were passing by. The missile fell right at 
our feet."" 

Oh, you were? You did?"" asked Darke, in glad sur- 
prise. I am a thousand times obliged to you."" 

Just then he, for the first time, saw little Yascar. The 
boy"s face was so much like Leotine"s, that Darke lifted his 
hand to his forehead in a bewildered way. 

But from that, and the name, and Mrs. Cassandra"s voice, 
he promptly drew an inference. 

^‘You are uneasy about Leotine?"" he asked, his eyes 
holding Mrs. Cassandra"s. 

Yes 1"" with a gasp, catching his hand. ^^You know 
her? She is safe?"" 

Oh, yes,"" and Darke spoke assuringly. ^'No doubt wo 
can find her. She was stolen from you?"" 


110 


DABKE DARRELL. 


Yes, answered both parents in concert. 

She told you so?^'’ a hushed look in the mother^s face. 

^'No. It was a mere inference. Is this her picture?^’ 
handing Mrs. Cassandra the ivory-type. 

Yes, yes r she cried, histerically kissing the portrait. 
^^It is studded with pearls. 

She gave it to me,^" Darke said. 

Mrs. Cassandra^s eyes seemed to burn into his face. 

You must have been intimate?^' her tone faintly inter- 
rogative. 

I did her a favor, explained Dark. She is impulsive, 
she is demonstrative in her friendships. I cannot tell you 
the story here nor now." 

Of course not," agreed Mr. Cassandra. Here is my 
card. Call on me at your earliest leisure. I shall employ 
you to find our child. I am rich enough to fully com- 
pensate you." 

I shall call on you," Darke said, putting the card into 
his pocket. 

^^Is not Pedro Cassandra the man you were looking for? 
The leading spirit of the gang?" asked the officer who had 
sent for Darke. 

^ This is not the gentleman," was Darkens reply. Pedro 
Cassandra, the counterfeiter, was killed in a railroad ac- 
cident yesterday." 

Mr. and Mrs. Cassandra looked up in surprise. 

Just then a wagon containing a coffin drove up; then he 
stopped, because impeded by the crowd. 

Darke saw Mr. Wilson seated beside the driver. 

The body of your namesake is in that coffin," Darke 
announced, with a glance at Mr. Cassandra. 

The latter saw fresh cause for excitement. 

Could I get to seethe corpse?" he nervously asked. It 
might enlighten me as to who my — my — enemy was." 


DARKE DARRELL. 


Ill 


^^You shall be gratified,” declared Darke. know 
the gentleman in charge of it. He was instructed to bring 
on the body. It cannot be received into this house, hardly, 
in view of the circumstances which have since occurred. 


112 


DAKKE DAERELL. 


CHAPTER XXIII. 

W H E R E N 0 W 

After Leotine had escaped from the crowd she turned 
into the nearest cross street, walking quite briskly. 

She was at a loss to know why the detectives had at- 
tempted to arrest her. Had Darke lost faith in her? Did 
he believe her guilty of treachery?” 

Eor hours she wandered aimlessly about the streets, and 
toward evening found herself at the Courtlandt-street ferry. 
A noisy newsboy passed her calling out the respective 
papers. 

The words ^^Fire on Amity street — a den of counterfeiters 
broken up,” caught her ear. 

She hailed the boy and bought a paper, which she 
anxiously opened after taking her seat in the cabin of the 
ferry-boat. 

Her sharp eye quickly alighted upon the report of the 
conflagration, and the discovery of the counterfeiters’ den. 

Leotine read the sensational head-lines, then the details 
which followed, her eyes shining, her face aglow. There 
was a highly-colored version of the affair, with an account 
of incidents that had never occurred to Darke, thereby 
exalting his shrewdness beyond anything that he had de- 
served. 

Further down the column her eyes rested on the follow- 
ing attractive head-lines: 

Second edition! — Still further particulars! — Death of 
Pedro Cassandra, the leader of the gang! — Killed in a 
railroad accident! — The body arrives at the burnt house! 
• — The little incendiary! — Her mysterious escape! — A 


DARKE DARRELL. 


113 


stolen child! — Eeward for her recovery! — Darke’s little 
friend!” 

The details were not so elaborate as the head-lines, but 
Leotine read them with avidity, for there was something in 
them which concerned herself. 

stolen child!” she repeated to herself. ^^That means 
me. They made me believe that my parents were dead, or, 
rather, they tried to. Sometimes I can remember of ” 

She sighed, and wearily passed her hand over her fore- 
head. 

She read the reports again, then folded up the paper, and 
put it into her pocket. 

The belj^ rang, the engine was slowed, a grinding noise 
was heard, there was a rush of feet, and Leotine knew that 
the boat had entered the slip at Jersey City. 

She seized her parasol and little bag, and left the boat, 
almost dazzled by the flare of gas-lights, and almost deaf- 
ened by the din. 

Where now?” she asked herself, more bewildered than 
troubled. 


114 


DABKE DAEEELL. 


CHAPTER XXIV. 

A GEEAT EE W- A E D , 

The body of the pretended Pedro Cassandra was taken to 
the house of an undertaker. The coffin was opened by 
Darke’s orders^ and the real Pedro Cassandra peered down 
into it. 

He lifted his hand to his mouth to hide the twitching of 
its muscles. His swarthy cheeks whitened for a few mo- 
ments. He recognized his dead countryman, but did not 
mention his name. 

He was the last man who would have come into my 
mind/’ he said, speaking to himself. Mr. Darrell,” in a 
louder key, when may I look for you?” 

This evening, if agreeable,” replied Darke. 

Thank you.” 

Mr. Cassandra turned away, and the lid of the coffin was 
screwed on again. 

That evening Darke called at the number designated on 
the card which Mr. Cassandra had handed to him. 

He was surprised at the magnificence displayed, without 
ostentation, and without any violation of good taste. The 
furniture and ornaments far outshone those in the burned 
house on Amity street, and he had fancied they could 
hardly be surpassed. 

Darke was kindly and cordially received, yet with no in- 
tention to lionize him, which made him feel all the more at 
nome. 

He was very favorably impressed with Mrs. Cassan- 
dra, and felt that she was thoroughly a lady. 

At her request, he gave her a short history of his life, which 


DAKKE DARRELL. 


115 


he followed by elaborate details of all that had occurred 
within the previous twenty-four hours; and it may justly be 
supposed that he had attentive listeners. 

Mr. Cassandra reciprocated by telling the story of Leo- 
tine^s abduction; how every trace of her had been lost; how 
he had tried in vain to conjecture what had been the 
motive. 

When I looked into that coffin I understood it all/^ he 
concluded, a hushed expression crossing his face. 

He made no further statement, and Darke was too polite 
to question him; but he said to himself: 

^‘^Eevenge prompted it. The men were brothers.” 

You said something about a woman,” reminded Mrs. 
Cassandra. Was she an Italian woman?” 

So I judged,” replied Darke. 

Did you hear her name?” 

Leotine called her Aunt Carlina,” rejoined Darke. 

Mr. and Mrs. Cassandra exchanged glances. They evi- 
dently knew the woman. 

Can I induce you to take an interest in restoring our 
child?” Mr. Cassandra asked. 

I could scarcely be more interested than I am now,” 
Darke replied, with a smile. 

I spoke in a business way,” particularized Mr. Cassandra. 

Your professional acumen on one hand, and my ability 
and willingness to compensate you.” 

shall do all I can in your behalf,” assured Darke, 
earnestly. 

^^But at once?” Determinedly, persistently. 

^^In such matters, the ^more haste the less speed, ^ quite 
often,” rejoined Darke. 

IT wait,” and an impatient look crossed Mr. Cassan- 
dra^s face. I wish to employ you, sir. I wish you to 
make it paramount to everything else — the only thing in 
hand. Hame your price. 


116 


DARKE DARRELL. 


Why discuss that now?” Darke asked, a little embar- 
rassed. It will do after I have found her. I promise to 
do all I can, and as soon as I can.” 

Again the impatient look. 

You must have a sufficient motive,” Mr. Cassandra de- 
clared. Nothing more lucrative must be allowed to lure 
you from your mission. You must be paid whether you 
succeed or not. If you restore my child to me within the 
year, I will pay you ten thousand dollars.” 

That almost took away Darke’s breath. 

^^It is a bargain,” he promptly said, not actuated by 
avarice, but believing that it was the only way to satisfy Mr. 
Cassandra. 

Thank you,” he said, his face brightening. ^^You 
may require money to prosecute the search. Apply to me 
as frequently as you may find it necessary. 

Darke remained all night. Mr. Cassandra was polite and 
affable, but was distant, none the less; at least Darke felt 
under restraint. With Mrs. Cassandra he felt perfectly at 
ease. He realized that she was his friend, and that she 
took a deep interest in his welfare. 

After breakfast he bade his new friends adieu, and took 
the train for Baltimore, going at once to the office on his 
arrival there. 

He was received with hearty congratulations by his asso- 
ciates, who crowded around him in a boisterous manner. 
The Baltimore papers had given him quite extended no- 
tices. 

No bones broken?” asked a chum. ^^You wouldn’t 
catch TKie leaping out of a fifth-story window.” 

^^A window on a second story,” corrected Darke. ^^With 
a shed-roof beneath,” he modestly added. 

^^How many of the gang did you knock down?” asked 
another, with a grasp at the muscles of Darke’s arm. Five 
or six, eh?” 


DAKKE DAKRELL. 


117 


struck one of them, and felled another,” Darke said. 
^^The latter, a helpless old man, and I have since felt 
ashamed of myself.” 

Thus he was hailed, and thus he clipped the reports of 
all exaggerations. 

He was glad to escape from them into the private office 
of Mr. Marks. 

The latter sprang up and seized his hand, his eyes 
shining. 

^^I^m justly proud of my pupil,” he said. 

I donT like being made a hero of in this way,” de- 
murred Darke. I donT deserve it. Most anybody else 
would have got into and out of it in just the same way.” 

Mr. Marks shook his head. 

You havenT received a bit more credit than you de- 
serve,” declared he. ^^By the way, I have a case which a 
friend has especially asked me to place in your hands. I 
have been at work on it for a year, and have made no 
progress.” 

I hope it will not absorb much of my time,” observed 
Darke. have taken a case on my own hook. I am 
offered ten thousand dollars, provided I find a child that 
was stolen.” 

large sum. Master Darke — a large sum — but one of 
the most difficult cases, as you will find.” 

^'Perhaps,” slowly replied Darke. ''It happens, how- 
ever, that the lost little girl is the very little girl who so 
materially aided me in breaking up the den of counter- 
feiters.” 

" Is that so?” his face widening. That alters the aspect; 
it simplifies the matter. To know whom you are looking 
for, and where to look for them, are great advantages 
gained. I hope that you may succeed.” 

" I hope so, too,” replied Darke. "And I donT hope so 


118 


BAEKE DARRELL. 


merGly on account of tlic reward. TV^liat kind of a caso 
have you for me to work up?” 

To find a missing witness. In looking for the one you 
may find the other. A reward of three thousand dollars is 
offered. Here is the name, and all I know about the mat- 
ter.” 

As Mr. Marks spoke he handed Darke a card. Upon it 
was written: 

Miss Deborah Dunn. Lived in Trenton sixteen years 
ago.” 

Not much to work on,” commented Darke. 

Hence a greater chance for the display of your genius,” 
and Marks smiled. 

^^Was she old, poor, colored, or anything of the like?” 
asked Darke. 

The card contains all the information I have.” 

Diligent inquiry at Trenton may serve me,” commented 
Darke. 

‘^I do not want to dishearten you, but I am afraid not. 
The most persistent inquiry has brought nothing to light.” 

Others have failed?” 

Which is the reason for engaging you. I might almost 
say that I have the three thousand dollars in hand, ready to 
pay over. Darke, youfil earn the reward?” 

Yes,” answered he, determinedly. 

Your mother may be able to give you valuable infor- 
mation.” 

My mother?” asked Darke, with a stare. 

Yes. From what she said to me I believe that she 
knows, or did know, something about the woman.” 

r\\ question her closely,” declared Darke. 


DARKE DARRELL. 


119 


CHAPTEK XXV. . 

DARKENS MOTHER INTERESTED. 

Darkens mother, though not usually a demonstrative 
woman, almost went off into hysterics, upon beholding 
him. 

The hug which she gave him was almost as vigorous as 
that of a polar hear. 

At ten that evening he gave his mother a full account of 
all his adventures since she had last seen him, and of his 
engagement by Mr. Cassandra to institute a search for his 
stolen child. 

also have another job in hand,^^ he added; ^^one 
which will bring me a few thousand dollars if I succeed. 
But I have so little ground to work on, and it unearths a 
matter which must have happened fifteen or twenty years 
ago.^" 

That makes it all the more troublesome, I should judge, 
commented his mother. 

I am to hunt up some woman who lived in Trenton, 
'that many years ago.'’^ 

Mrs. Darreirs face suddenly manifested interest. 

^^What was her name?^^ she asked, with seeming indiffer- 
ence. 

1^11 tell you in a minute, and Darke felt in his pockets 
for the card. Deborah Dunn,” reading. 

There was a slight play about the muscles of Mrs. Dar- 
rePs mouth. 

‘^She lived in Trenton once, and that^s all I know about 
her,” added Darke. The other detectives were looking 
for her, so it^s not likely that she^s there any more. Why, 


120 


DARKE DARRELL. 


mother, 'your name is Deborah!” recallingly. Was Dunn 
your maiden name?” 

There was a stolid expression on his mother’s face. Had 
she not heard him? 

^^Why is the woman wanted?” she asked, 
don’t know.” 

Wouldn’t Mr. Marks tell you, if you asked him?” 

Quite likely, mother. He said you knew something 
about the woman.” 

I used to be acquainted with Deborah Dunn,” his mother 
slowly admitted. 

Ah!” and Darke elevated his brows. ‘^The same wo- 
man, no doubt. You see, mother, the name is not a com- 
mon one.” 

It might have been her mother’s name before her,” sug- 
gested Mrs. Darrell. 

Darke felt that she had much to tell, provided she cared 
to. 

If I find her I am to receive three thousand dollars,” he 
said. ^'Mr. Marks as good as has the money to pay down. 
Where is Deborah Dunn?” 

''You want to earn your money too easily,” and Mrs. 
Darrell looked mysterious. " Besides, you might offer to 
divide.” 

" What is mine is yours, mother,” declared Darke. 

" It will not always be so. You will be keeping house 
for yourself some day, especially if that little girl loves you 
as desperately as you fancy she does. However, I am will- 
ing and able to help you— to help you very much. But you 
must first find out why Deborah Dunn is wanted, and what 
is expected of her.” 

" Very well, mother. Mr. Marks will tell me. I scarcely 
think his telling me would defeat his intentions.” 


DAEKE DAERELL. 


121 


CHAPTER XXVL 

A NEW HOME IN VIEW. 

When Darke asked Mr. Marks why Deborah Dunn was 
wanted, the chief of detectives looked at him over the top 
of his glasses. 

^‘^What has that got to do with finding her?"^ was his 
counter-query. 

A good deal,^^ replied Darke; at least, I have been so 
advised. That is the stipulation, and I am sure you will 
enlighten me, unless it will defeat your intentions, or im- 
peril somebody’s interests. It is timidity, and nothing else, 
Mr. Marks.” 

^^You refer to what your mother knows about her?” 
asked Mr. Marks. promised to indemnify her. I 

assured her that no harm nor disgrace would come to either 
her or her — friend.” 

That should have been enough,” decided Darke. 

Still — you know — some people are very peculiar.” 

Most people are, in one way or another,” rejoined Mr. 
Marks. '^You will produce Deborah Dunn, provided I 
tell you why she is wanted?” 

I will try to,” answered Darke. I believe that I can,” 
strengthening his words. 

It is a will case, in which considerable property is at 
stake,” replied Mr. Marks. One of the witnesses is dead; 
the other is this Miss Deborah Dunn. She will merely be 
asked to affirm to her signature.” 

Before the courts?” 

Hot necessarily. Mr. Stoddard asked me to have you 


122 


DAEKE DAKRELL. 


institute search. Here is his address. He will give you all 
the particulars. 

He handed a card to Darke, which he glanced at, and 
then put it into his pocket. 

Half an hour later he called on Mr. Stoddard, who gave 
him all the details, quite surprised to find him so boyish, 
and yet so keen-sighted and intelligent withal. 

Thus armed, Darke returned to his mother. 

You will tell me now all about Deborah Dunn,^^ he 

said. 

^^Why is she wanted?’^ asked Mrs. Darrell, a feather- 
duster in her hands, looking askance at her son. 

To testify to her signature, as one of the witnesses of a 
will." 

She was never a witness to a will," declared his mother. 
^'She never signed any document." 

^^How do you know she didnT, mother? You were not 
so constantly about her, unless you were as inseparable as 
the Siamese twins. It doesnT take a minute to sign a 
name. I know that she did witness the document in ques- 
tion. Mr. Stoddard showed it to me." 

^^Mr. Stoddard!" dusting briskly, yet noiselessly, with 
the feather duster. Deborah Dunn never knew anybody 
by that name. I told Mr. Marks so." 

How do you know, mother?" he asked again. Why, 
one would think that you are Deborah Dunn! It isnT 
necessary that either of you should have known Mr. Stod- 
dard. He is merely disputing the will, as representative 
for three or four others as much interested in it as himself. 

The man who died and made the will — or, rather," with a 
smile, who made the will and then died, was Mr. Samuel ^ 
AYestbrook." 3 

^^Oh," ejaculated his mother, a recalling look on her 
face, the feather-duster tightly clinched in her hand. I 


DAKKE DAEEELL. 


123 


remember! Deborah Dunn did witness Mr. Westbrook^s 
will.^^ 

Mother, you are Deborah Dunn/^ declared Darke. 

^^Must I appear in court she nervously asked, thereby 
admitting everything. 

“No, mother. It can be fixed before an alderman. You 
will not mind that? Justice required it; then, too, we will 
get the reward.^^ 

His mother debated. 

“Three thousand dollars, mother, continued Darke. 
“That, with what I have laid up, will almost pay for a 
house on Calvert street. I have a particular one in view; 
it is empty now; the terms are easy; it is just such a house 
as you would desire." 

That settled it. ^ 

“ It is only because I am so timorous, Darke. I consent; 
Ifil even testify in court, if need be." 

“Thank you, mother," and Darke cut a pigeon-wing. 

Three thousand dollars made as slick as a whistle. AVe 
will go to Mr. Stoddard^s office this afternoon." 

She had given her word, and she was not one readily to 
recede. 

They called on Mr. Stoddard, who seemed much grati- 
fied over the visit, and seemed especially polite to Mrs. 
Darrell. 

There were several lawyers and clerks present, but she 
did not feel overawed. The examination did not consume 
much time. 

“You are Deborah Dunn?" 

“That was my name before I was married." 

“ You were called in to see Mr. Westbrook die?" 

“ I was called in to witness his will. I scarcely knew he 
was sick." 

“Did you live with him?" 

“ I lived next door." 


124 


DAEKE DAEEELL. 


^^Did you sign that name?” a paper handed to her. 

I did,” looking at the signature. 

And this name?” another paper presented. 

Mrs. Darrell grew bewildered. 

only signed my name once, sir. Only to one paper, 

sir.” 

So we thought, and that is what we want to get at,” 
and Mr. Stoddard's face brightened. One paper is the 
will, the other is a codicil,, the latter revoking most of the 
bequests in the other. Which is the paper you signed?” 

Mrs. Darrell weighed her reply. 

^^The one comprised of three or four sheets, fastened 
with eyelets,” she said. I remember that very distinctly. 

I did not sign the other, or any other.” 

^^You will swear to that?” asked one of the lawyers, 
evidently a disappointed party. 

Mrs. Darrell took umbrage at his tone. 

^^Now, or any time,” she steadily answered, much to 
Darke's delight. ^^Here, or elsewhere.” 

A whispered consultation ensued. Mrs. Darrell was 
sworn. 

We cease to contest,” declared the disappointed party. 

Mr. Stoddard rubbed his hands. 

‘‘ The reward offered is yours on demand,” he whispered 
to Darke. 

Once on the street with his mother, he said: 

^^Now let us go look at that house I spoke to you 
about. I must decide within the week. The key is next 
door.” 

‘^But you can't buy it, Darke,” uneasily. "^t will 
swamp you. You haven't the money.” 

Haven't I?” confidently. I can command it. You 
must tell me how you like the house.” 

I'll look at it, if only to please you, my boy,” she said. 

The house viewed, she became more anxious than 


DAKKE DARRELL. 


125 


Darke to own it, and more sanguine about the ability to 
pay for it. 

She kept pointing out this convenience and enlarging 
upon that one, until Darke was overjoyed, and the result 
was, that when they returned to their home both of them 
thought that they had never seen it look so shabby. 


126 


DAEKE DAEBELL 


CHAPTER XXVIL 

LEOTINE FIl^DS A FRIEND. 

Leotine pushed through the crowd at the depot, and 
turned into one of the main streets, an entire stranger in 
Jersey City, and caring little whither her feet led her. 

She stopped now and then and stared into the shop- 
windows, to while away the time, and not because they 
were more handsomely filled and arranged than the shop- 
windows in New York. 

As the evening wore away she began to grow hungry and 
tired, and sleepy besides. The din was dying out on the 
streets; the sidewalks were becoming deserted; the shop- 
keepers were closing their stores; prowlers lurked in the 
shadows, and suspicious-looking characters scudded past 
her. 

She began to feel afraid. She began to see the neces- 
sity of seeking shelter. She might be insulted, robbed, or 
taken to the station by a policeman. She knew no 
one. Whither should she go? To have entered a hotel 
would have subjected her to examination, she looked so 
childish to be unattended. She was anxious to avoid puV 
licity. 

I’ll trust the first benign-faced man I meet,” she con- 
cluded. If need be, Pll tell him who I am and all about 
myself. I will not lose anything by being truthful.” 

But half an hour passed before she saw a face that she 
was sure she could trust, save one, that of a man too 
young almost to have a proper home to which to take her. 

At last, just as she was passing a gloomy-looking store, a 


DARKE DARRELL. 


127 


gentleman issued from it. He locked the door and put the 
key in his pocket. 

A clock near hy struck ten. Leotine caught a glimpse 
of his face. He was a middle-aged, portly, fine-looking 
gentleman, and she knew that she could trust him. On 
a sign above the door she read the name G. W. Kendrick. 

wonder if he is the owner of the store, Leotine 
thought. How shall I accost him?^^ 

He settled that by speaking to her first: 

Why, my dear, is it not rather late for you to be out 
alone his voice sweet, clear, solicitous. 

I am lost, sir,^^ she said, turning her face full upon 
him, the light from the street-lamp falling upon it. 

He gave a little start, either surprised at the loveliness of 
her face or because puzzled to know whether she was child 
or woman. 

Lost?^^ he repeated. Where do you live?’^ 

In Kew York. I crossed over at dusk?” 

Where do you want to go? What street and number?” 

Kot just anywhere,” falteringly. I do not know any- 
body here.” 

His surprise increased. 

do not want to go to a hotel. I would feel so 
strange.” 

^^You have money?” 

^^Oh, yes.” 

What is your name?” 

‘^Leotine Cassandra. I ran away from home.” 

He surveyed her keenly. He felt that she was telling the 
truth, and a sudden interest in her became awakened. 

Why did you run away from home?” he asked. 

The people were not my parents, sir,” she said, her 
voice vibrating. Take me home with you, please. I will 
thank you, compensate you, and truthfully answer your 
questions.” 


128 


DAKKE DABRELL. 


Her tone and glance were so beseeching that he could not 
deny her request. 

Come with me,’^ he said. I hardly know what Mrs. 
Kendrick will have to say about it.^* 

He took a few steps forward, then turned and took her 
satchel. 

Let me carry this/^ he said. Why, how heavy it is. 
Have you been lugging this about all day?” 

Yes, sir. My jewelry is in it.” 

Your jewelry,” and he laughed. ^^You must have a 
good deal of it. It is filled with shot more likely, or, per- 
haps, a silver ice-pitcher or two, melted down.” 

Leotine made no reply to that, but walked along by his 
side. 

Mr. Kendrick asked her no more questions. Indeed, he 
was so absorbed, that he addressed no conversation to her at 
all. 

His residence was soon reached. He admitted himself 
with a night-key, then walked through the hall into the 
sitting-room, Leotine demurely following at his heels. 

Everything looked bright and neat. Mrs, Kendrick 
rose to greet her husband, a pleased look breaking over her 
face. 

I shall like her,” was Leotine^s mental comment. 

Just then Mrs. Kendrick noticed Leotine. She glanced 
from her to her husband, a look of inquiry in her face. 

A lodger whom I have brought home with me,” he said, 
cheerily. She was lost, or knew of no place where to go, 
to be precise.” 

Mrs. Kendrick was surprised. 

Lost?” she said. Come here, child.” 

Leotine went nearer. 

Why, you’re not just a child either,” Mrs. Kendrick 
said, her eyes widening. Where do you live?” 

I lived in Kew York. The house was burned this morn- 


DARKE DARRELL. 


129 


ing. The people were not my parents. . They were good 
to me, in their way, but I do not want to go- back to them. 
I was stolen from my real parents when quite a little girl.-^^ 

It was evident that Leotine spoke the truth. There was 
no hesitancy in her tone, and she lookect directly at Mrs. 
Kendrick. 

The latter concluded, by Leotihe’s voice, face, attire, and 
correctness of speech, that she was at least not harboring a 
vagrant. 

^^Poor child she said, commiseratingly. ^^Are you 
hungry?” 

^^No, ma^am. I am tired and sleepy.” 

Then I will show you to bed,” and Mrs. Kendrick rose. 

I would like to question you further, but it would, per- 
haps, be unkind.” 

She walked toward the stair door. Leotine followed her, 
then turned, courtesied, and said : 

Good-night, sir.” 

Good-night,” responded Mr. Kendrick,. ^^She is at 
least well bred,” he said to himself, taking but a newspaper, 
and seating himself. 

In a little while his wife re-entered the room, and re- 
sumed her seat. 

George, that is an odd little creature,” she said. A 
Jewess, is she?” 

An Italian,” answered he, without looking up from his 
newspaper; Judging by her complexion, accent, and 
name.” 

What do you know about her, George?” 

Nothing more than you know, my dear. I met her 
Just outside the store. She seemed in distress; she asked 
me to take her home. I consented, believing you would be 
satisfied.” 

I am not complaining, my dear,” rejoined the wife. 


130 


DAEKE DAKKELL. 


‘^The girl has left her bag here. There may be things in 
it that she will need in the morning.” 

She picked up the bag, and was surprised to find it so 
heavy; it was unlocked; she thrust in her hand, and com- 
menced to take out the articles of jewelry, dismay mingling 
with her astonishment. 

Jane, there is an interesting account here about a de- 
scent upon a counterfeiters^ den in New York,” Mr. Ken- 
drick said. lad known as the Boy Detective of Balti- 

more figures quite conspicuously in it.” 

George, just look here!” 

Something in his wife’s tone arrested his attention. He 
glanced from the newspaper to the table. On the latter 
sparkled jewels of great value. 

Why, Jane, where did you get* those?” he asked, a little 
dazed. 

Out of this bag, George. We are harboring a little 
thief,” her tone very grave. 

Mr. Kendrick put aside his paper. 

^‘She told me it was. jewelry which made her bag so 
heavy,” he said. I laughed over it, for I did not believe 
her.” 

^‘Itis good jewelry, George?” 

Oh, one can see that.” 

Slowly Mrs. Kendrick returned one article after the other 
to the bag. 

She is not yet asleep,” she said, rising. She will have 
to tell me how she came by this wealth.” 

^^Will not to-morrow morning do as well?” suggested her 
husband. 

‘"She may rob us through the night.” 

“ And not get half as much as she has left,” smiled her 
husband. “ I would consider myself more than indem- 
nified. Still, if you wish to question her. I’ll go with you. 
There is something about the girl that I like. I’ll venture 


DAKKE DAREELL. 


131 


to predict that, if she came by the jewelry dishonestly, she 
will say so/^ 

Though she may steal, she will not lie, you wish me to 
understand, Mrs. Kendrick said, half interrogatively. 

That wouldnT increase my respect for her.^^ 

Perhaps it was a breach of trust on your part to exam- 
ine the bag,^^ her husband slyly suggested. 

“ I have a right to know who I am harboring,” declared 
she. consider myself fully justified.” 

They ascended to the room which had been allotted to 
Leotine, Mrs. Kendrick carrying a lamp in one hand, and 
the bag in the other. 

Leotine had turned off the gas, and retired to bed. She 
sat up and stared at her visitors, her large black eyes 
a-sparkle. 

Mrs. Kendrick placed the lamp on the bureau. 

You fogot your bad,” she said. 

I knew it was safe,” replied Leotine. My jewelry 
is in it.” 

Your jewelry?” emphasized Mrs. Kendrick. 

Some of it is mine, ma^am. The rest of it, and the bag, 
belong to my Aunt Carlina.” 

An odd expression crossed Mr. Kendrick^s face. He had 
just read that name in the account of the descent upon the 
den of couterfeiters. 

What are you doing with your aunPs jewelry?” Mrs. 
Kendrick asked. 

I took it, ma^am,” replied Leotine. 

You took it?” repeated Mrs. Kendrick, a look of hor- 
ror overspreading her face. Do you mean to say, child, 
that you Me it?” 

Some might call it that,” very quietly. 

There, George, do you hear that?” cried Mrs. Ken- 
drick, getting excited. Didn’t I tell you? Just listen 
how unconcernedly she admits it!” 


132 


DAKKE DAEKELL. 


Was the woman really your aunt?” asked Mr. Kendrick. 

^^No, sir.” 

“But a bad woman, instead.^” 

“Yes, sir. She didn^t come by the things honestly. 
They are as much mine as hers. I don't care for them. If 
you can right the matter, take them, and welcome,” wish- 
ing they would go, her eyes heavy with sleep. 

“You ran from the burning house?” Mr. Kendrick 
asked. 

“Yes, sir. I first filled the bag. Anybody else would 
have done so.” 

“ Where is your Aunt Carlina now?” 

“Bless you, I don't know! In a well, maybe.” And 
Leotine shrugged her plump shoulders. 

“What do you mean by that?” asked Mr. Kendrick. 

Another shrug for an answer. 

“Isn't she in jail?” he asked. 

“ Yes,” looking straight at him. “So she ought to be. 
So is Tim Jordan.” 

Mr. Kendrick remembered seeing that name in the pa- 
pers also. 

“You set fire to the house, didn't you?” he asked. 

She gave a little start. 

“ So the papers say,” evaded she. “ You read about the 
arrest?” 

“Yes.” 

“ It's true in the main. I was the Boy Detective's friend. 
I am bad, and was living among bad people. I do not 
want to be bad, and so I ran away. I'll tell the truth, how^ 
ever bad it may sound. Keep the jewelry; mine, too, for 
all I care. Let me stay but for a night, then I'll go my 
way.” 

“You shall first be handed over to the officers of the 
law,” declared Mrs. Kendrick. 

‘‘What are you saying, Jane?” reproved her husband. 


DABKE DAKRELL. 


133 


You who are generally so kind. We will decide what to 
do to-morrow." 

He seized the lamp, and left the room, his wife following. 

When they had returned to the sitting-room, he read her 
the newspaper account. 

The child has told the truth, and I told you that she 
would," he gravely said. She will be just as truthful to- 
morrow." do not want to be bad,^ she said so earnestly, 
such a yearning look in her eyes. Should we fling her back 
into the channel out of which she has drifted? Will she 
grow better if she is thrown into jail?" 

A long pause. 

^^No, dear," spoke up Mrs. Kendrick, true to herself 
at last. I shall not turn her away. But, George, I was 
very much shocked." 

And no wonder," admitted he, kissing her. 


134 . 


DABKE DABRELL. 


CHAPTER XXVIII. 

IR- SEARCH OF DARKE. 

The more Mrs. Kendrick thought over the matter, the 
deeper became her interest in Leotine. 

The girl was smart, handsome, truthful, and homeless; 
she had drifted thither, who could tell to what end? 

Mrs. Kendrick was childless. Why not give her a per- 
manent home? She could more than compensate her in 
affection. That idea took possession of her, and she 
could not get rid of it; she did not try to, .but nursed it 
rather. 

When she supposed Leotine to be asleep, she stole quietly 
to her room. She turned on the gas and lit it. 

She paused beside the bed, folded her arms, and looked 
down into the face of the little sleeper. 

A calm, deep sleep it was, her countenance placid, her 
lips softly parted, her eyelashes touching her brown cheeks, 
her arms gracefully disposed, her black, sheeny hair float- 
ing over bolster and pillow. 

^^Poor child!” Mrs. Kendrick thought, as she stooped 
and kissed her. She is certainly very handsome.” 

Extinguishing the light, she left the room as quietly as 
she entered it. 

In the morning she called her to breakfast. Leotine sat 
up and tossed her black hair from her face, a bewildered 
look resting upon it. 

** I couldn’t recall where I was,” smiling on Mrs. Ken- 
drick. 

Breakfast is ready,” the latter said. 


DARKE DARRELL. 


135 


And after that I must go away/^ with a falling inflec- 
tion of her voice. 

• ^ Not necessarily/^ answered Mrs. Kendrick, her heart 
going out more than ever toward the girl. 

I should so much like to stay here,^^ her red lips quiver- 
ing. Were you in the room last night 

With Mr. Kendrick. Do you not remember?” 

Alone, I mean. After that?” 

Why do you ask?” 

It was a dream, I guess,” dropping into a reverie. I 
thought my mother bent over me and kissed me. It was 
almost too real to have been a dream.” 

‘‘ What do you remember about your mother?” Mrs. 
Kendrick asked, ^^How do you know you were stolen 
from home?” 

^^How?” coming back to herself. ^^By what I overheard 
others say; by things which I remember, however indistinct 
they may seem. Memories of a mother^s face, of calm 
blue skies, a sunny lake, fairy sunsets, orange groves, 
cloud-capped hills, vine-covered slopes, music in the still 
moonlight — a thousand things, like a dream, and yet not 
like a dream.” 

A little pause, tears in her eyes, her shapely hands 
clasped, then a quick, yearning, appealing cry. 

^^Don^t send me away! Don^t send me away! Fll be 
very good! I’ll love you, obey you, work for you, slave for 
you! Don’t send me away!” her whole frame shaking. 

Mrs. Kendrick was entirely overcome; there was no re- 
'sisting that earnest, vehement appeal. She brushed a tear 
from her eye. 

' ^^ril not send you away, darling,” her own voice 
broken. 

Leotine sprang out of bed entwined her arms around 
Mrs. Kendrick’s neck and kissed her passionataly. 


136 


DAEKE DAEEELL. 


Thanks! thanks!^" gladly, chokingly. Try me! I"d 
die before I'd ever make you sorry!" her black eyes aglow. 

I believe you, dear," and Mrs. Kendrick kissed her with 
true affection. 

That affection increased as the days went by, and no 
wonder, for Leotine, apart from her pleasing face and 
sprightly manner, spared no efforts not only to make herself 
companionable, but useful. 

Two months went by, and a great change was wrought 
in her, not only in disposition and deportment, but in her 
face and figure, for she was that much nearer to full woman- 
hood. 

Nothing of interest happened until Mr. Kendrick one 
morning announced his intention of going to Baltimore. 

Leotine heard him; she thought of Darke; her heart 
beat faster. 

Mr. Kendrick, will you not take me with you to Bal- 
timore?" she asked, unable to hide her intense desire. 

He looked at her steadfastly. 

What put that into your head?" he asked. Have you 
friends in Baltimore?" 

'^No — ^yes!" almost in the same breath, stammerring, her 
face red from confusion. 

I thought you wanted to forget your friends," he said, 
disappointedly. 

You and Mrs. Kendrick?" she asked. 

Of course not. Your old friends," he particularized. 

'^My friend in Baltimore is not an old friend," Leotine. 
replied. do not mean by that, that he is not a true 
friend. It is Darke Darrell. But I do not want to go in 
order to see him. I want to go with you to enjoy the 
journey." 

She had not told the truth entirely, for she did want 
to see Darke very much. 


DARKE DARRELL. 


137 


Your home is becoming lonely, Mr. Kendrick said, a 
shadow on his face. 

^^No, indeed!” she declared, enthusiastically. I never 
want a better,” impulsively catching his hand and pressing 
it, her eyes shining into his face. 

George, why not oblige her?” Mrs. Kendrick asked. 

That settled the matter. 

When Mr. Kendrick started for Baltimore, Leotine ac- 
companied him, and made the journey a short and pleasant 
one, she was so chatty, so winning in her ways. 

He left her at a hotel, saying that he would be back in a 
few hours. 

^^Now is my time,” Leotine thought. I can see Darke, 
return here, and Mr. Kendrick will be none the wiser. He 
wouldnT care if he knew, and hence it isn't quite like de- 
ceiving him.” 

We are always apt at manufacturing excuses, when we 
find that we need them. 

She had Darke's address, and found the house, after 
some delay and inquiry, hut was doomed to disappoint- 
ment. 

The Darrells had moved, so. the new occupant told her. 
Just where, she didn't know. They had been getting up 
in the world, and had ioiight a house, somewhere. Per- 
haps she could find their new address by asking at the 
police office. 

Where is that?” asked Leotine, cutting across the 
woman's loquaciousness. 

Fixing the reply in her mind, she hurried to the de- 
tective bureau. An hour had already passed by. 

She saw Mr. Marks. 

Master Darrell is in Hew York,” he said. Can I 
serve you? Will you leave your name?” 

^"It doesn't matter,” was Leotine's reply, as she pre- 


138 


DAEKE DAKKELL. 


pared to depart. can call again. Or perhaps you 

would be so kind as to give me his address?” 

That is impossible.” 

^^Why?” and Leotine stared. 

'"Because he is at one place in one hour and some- 
where else the next.” 

" I meant his address here,” Leotine said. " The new 
house to which he has recently moved,” 

"I beg your pardon,” Mr. Marks said. "ril pencil 
the address on this card. You will find his mother 
there.” 

Leotine took the card, thanked him, and left the 
office. 

"A handsome, self-possessed, vivacious little thing,” 
Mr. Marks thought. "Who can she be?” 

He lifted his hand to his brow, then quickly with- 
drew it. 

"Bless me if I do not believe it is the little Italian 
girl,” he thought, "and Darke hunting all over Hew 
York for her. Perhaps she will call at his mother's.” 

He hurried to the window. 

"Some one has joined her across the street,” he said, 
to himself. 

Such was the case. 

Leotine had scarcely left the office ere she found her- 
self face to face with Mr. Kendrick. 

"Can this be you, Leotine?” he asked. "What have 
you been doing in there?” glancing at the office, and at the 
sign. " You ran a risk of being arrested.” 

"I did not make myself known,” Leotine said. "I 
wanted Darke's address. It may be necessary for me to 
write to him some time.” 

" Hardly,” Mr. Kendrick said, crisply. 

"I hope you are not offended,” she said, which was 
quite different from the thoughts which his crisp reply 


DAKKE DABRELL. 


139 


had evolved. I expected to get back to the hotel before 
you did.” 

You have deceived me, to some extent,” he gravely 
said. Please do not offend in that way again. I could 
have procured the address for you.” 

I didn^t think,” her tone humble, regretful. ** Mr. 
Kendrick, you are not angry with me?” 

^‘Not very” he answered, with a faint smile. 


140 


DAEKE DABRELL. 


CHAPTER XXIX. 

ESCAPE OF TIM JORDAlf. 

Darke returned from New York the next day, tired 
and disheartened. He had sought assiduously to discover 
the whereabouts of Leotine, but had been baffled at every 
turn. 

Any letters for me?” he asked, with a sluggish glance 
toward Mr. Marks. 

^^Xone,” was the brief reply. But a young lady called 
here yesterday to inquire for you. I gave her your address. 
She had called at the old one, it seems.” 

Strange!” Darke said, musingly. Did she call at the 
house afterward?” 

I can^t say. I rather think not. A gentleman joined 
her outside. I suppose he was in waiting.” 

^^What could she have wanted?” and Darke was all 
interest. 

I asked her if I could serve her, but she gave me no re- 
ply. In fact, she was rather reticent about herself and her 
errand. She was polite, lady-like, well-dressed, and hand- 
some. Some sweetheart of yours. Master Darke,” and Mr. 
Marks laughed. 

Darke blushed. 

An entire stranger to me, Iffl warrant,” he said. De- 
scribe her more fully.” 

Mr. Marks tapped on the desk with the handle of his gold 
pen. 

“ I tell you what I said to myself after she had left,” he 
rejoined, quite deliberately. ^^But it was too late, then, to 


DARKE DARRELL. 


141 


satisfy myself touching the matter. I said to myself^ ^ that 
is the very girl Darke is hunting for all over New York." 

^^Eh?" and Darke sat holt upright. ^"Not Leotine Cas- 
sandra?" he asked. 

Yes. Diminutive, dark-skinned, black-haired, sprightly, 
with " 

^^Is this her picture?" hurriedly interrupted Darke, pro- 
ducing the ivory-type. 

Herself and nobody else," declared Mr. Marks, admir- 
ing the picture. saw this very expression on her face 

once or twice. She was a little more womanly than this 
makes her. Darke, this case is a very valuable one." 

What kind of a looking gentleman did she join?" asked 
Darke, unable to repress his excitement, yet not forgetting 
to reaeh for the ivory-type. Or — wasn’t he a gentleman?" 

He wore the air an-d dress of one," declared Mr. Marks. 

I stood there by the window, and saw them walk off to- 
gether. He seemed to he scolding her." 

Darke covered his forehead with the palm of his hand in 
a thoughtful way. 

middle-aged gentleman," continued Mr. Marks. 

Portly, serene, dignified, a business man, and a good 
liver, evidently satisfied with himself and things as he finds 
them." 

“ Your impression of him was good?" 

^^Yes." 

I am glad to know she is now hack in the old current," 
Darke said, with a sense of relief, for he had great faith in 
the keenness of his preceptor’s observation. What brought 
her back to the city?" 

Darke Darrel," and Mr. Marks smiled. 

Darke blushed again. 

I wonder if she is still in Baltimore?" rising and seizing 
his hat. I might come across her." 


142 


DABKE DARRELL. 


^'Now, don^t get nervous, Darke,” advised Mr. Marks. 

If she is seeking you, you have only to remain passive. 
If she is still in the city, she will call at your mother's. If 
she has left the city, she will write to you, and that within 
a week. What will you wager on the result?” 

Darke was so absorbed that he made no reply; still, he 
heard, and had to admit the force of his friend's conclusion. 

A newsboy called in at the door of the office: 

American I Second edition! Escape of Tim Jor- 
dan, the notorious counterfeiter, from Sing Sing!” 

What!” cried Darke, his face contracted, as he bounded 
toward the door, and purchased a copy of the paper. 

It is true,” he gloomily said. I don't care for myself, 
but for Leotine. He'll leave no stone unturned to gratify 
his revenge against her.” 


DARKE DARRELL. 


143 


CHAPTER XXX. 

A LETTER FROM LEOTINE. 

Darke hastened home, thinking that Leotine might have 
called upon his mother; but such was not the case. Two 
days afterward Mrs. Darrell handed him a letter which he 
hurriedly opened and eagerly read. It bore the Jersey City 
postmark. 

“DeakDabke: — D o not be surprised at my writing to you. Have 
I not the right ? Is it not a great pleasure to me ? Are we not to be 
friends all the way through ? 

“I have been very anxious to see you, or to write to you ; not only 
because I am under deep obligations to you, not only because you are 
almost constantly in my thoughts, but because I want to set myself 
right in your estimation. 

“All this time I have been in distress, because I am afraid that you 
doubted me, that you misconstued my intentions, that you believe me 
to have been a party to the treacherous trick that was played upon 
you. 

“ Oh ! believe me, when I say that I was entirely innocent. I thought 
they were acting in good faith ; 1 knew nothing about the trap-door or 
the dungeon under it ; when I saw you disappear, I was as much 
astonished as yourself, and far more angry and indignant, I am sure. 

“ Tim Jordan seized me, tied me, and locked me up in a room. But 
I managed to effect my escape, solely actuated by a desire to aid you 
in your extremity. I hurried to the library. The trap was open ; Tim 
Jordan was leaning over it ; I knew that he had gone thither with the 
intention of murdering you ; I knew, from what he muttered to him- 
self, that you had escaped from the vault. 

“Angry at his treachery toward you, and my arms still smarting 
from the cord that had bound them, I sprang upon him and tumbled 
him into the opening. 

“ A minute after I heard some one approaching ; I hid behind the 
door ; Aunt Carlina entered ; she walked to the trap ; she called to 
Tim ; before he could answer her, I pushed her into the vault to keep 


144 


DARKE DARRELL. 


him company. Whether they told how they came to be there, I do not 
know. 

“ I make this statement to vindicate myself in your eyes. I know 
that you will accept it as an evidence of my devotion to you. Had I 
been in the conspiracy, had I been more true to them than to you, 
would I have pushed them into the vault, at risk of limb and life to 
them, and making them an easy prey to their captors ? I would not 
have cared had they been roasted alive ! 

' “I have run [away from my old haunts. I wish I could run away 
from my old memories. I have found a pleasant ^home, with pleasant 
friends, and I am getting so attached to them, that I will scarcely ever 
want to leave them. They could not be more kind to me than they 
are. 

“I visited Baltimore the other day. You had moved ; I got your 
present address at police headquarters ; none of them had the least 
idea who had called. I hear that Tim Jordan has escaped from prison. 
Isn’t it too bad ? I shall be afraid to venture out. 

“ Darke, my dear friend, I wish you would write to me. Would you 
care to send me your photograph ? You have the advantage of me in 
that respect, you know. I would prize it very highly. Perhaps, though, 
you never think of looking at mine. 

“ Our acquaintance has been a strange one. What is to come out of 

it in the end ? I sometimes think that in the future But I’ll not 

finish it. You will only laugh at me for being so silly. I will close, 
wishing you happiness and success in life, only asking that you will 
sometimes have a kind thought for Leotine Cassandea.” 

Darke slowly folded up the letter, then handed it to his 
mother, a pleased look on his thoughtful face. 

''You read it, Darke,'" she said. 

He did so, his mother listening. 

" The writing is very neat," she said, looking over his 
shoulder. " It is a very sensible letter. Now that you 
know where she is, you will have no trouble in restoring her 
to her parents." 

" But I do not know where she is," declared Darke. 

His mother stared at him. 

"She gives neither number, street, nor date," he con- 
tinued. The postmark on the letter is the only indica- 


BAKKE DARRELL. 


145 


tion, and Jersey City is considerable of a place. Wasn't 
there so much earnestness in her letter, I would suspect 
that she has been purposely obscure.” 

Still, you can find her, Darke” 

Oh, yes, Ifil find her,” speaking hopefully. 


CHAPTER XXXI. 

ABDUCTED. 

On the second day after the receipt of Leotine^s letter, 
Darke went to Jersey City. His object waste find Leotine. 

For two days he conducted his search patiently and per- 
sistently, walking the streets, visiting public places, loung- 
ing around the ferries. 

It proved a fruitless search. On the third day he was in 
despair. 

She merely mailed the letter here at Jersey City,” rea- 
soned he. ^^She is in Xew York. Why didn^t I reach 
that conclusion before?” 

A wrong conclusion, as he discovered that very after- 
noon. He saw a gentleman ahead of him. A young girl was 
walking by his side. Her figure was so much like Leo- 
tine^s, that he was sure that he had found her at last. He 
noticed, too, that the gentleman was very much like the 
gentleman Mr. Marks had described. 

Darke kept them in view. They entered a store, so did 
Darke. The young girl stopped in front of the counter, 
and talked to one of the lady clerks. Darke saw her pro- 
file, recalled a ring which sparkled on her finger, and knew 
that she was Leotine, and yet was a little puzzled because 
she looked so womanlj^ 

He leaned against the counter; their eyes met; there was 
no recognition in hers, though her cheeks reddened. 


146 


DABKE DARRELL. 


You are not, glad to see me, Leotine/^ he said, holding 
out his hand. 

She took it rather listlessly. 

You did not answer my letter,” she said. 

Only four days had passed. 

It was very kind in you to write,” Darke said, looking 
steadily at her. I read it a dozen times, and Fd never 
care to part with it. I did not answer it, because I did not 
know where to direct it. It bore neither date nor address.” 

^^Isit possible that I was so stupid as that?” she ex- 
claimed, her natural fervency returning to her. ^^I no 
longer blame you, and I am glad to see you,” her soft little 
hand closing tightly upon his. 

The gentleman who was with Leotine was Mr. Kendrick. 
He coughed, and approached the young couple. 

Leotine introduced Darke to him in a lady-like manner. 

You know I spoke to you in my letter that I had found 
a pleasant home, and pleasant friends,” she said, looking 
at Darke I mean Mr. and Mrs. Kendrick.” 

Did you write to — ^to — him?” Mr. Kendrick asked, 
looking at Darke. 

Yes,” replied Leotine. 

You didn't mention it to me,” a displeased look on his 
face. 

I didn't think it necessary,” replied Leotine incisively, 
and a little haughtily. 

I have been looking for you for days, Leotine,” Darke 
said, in an under tone. I am to have the pleasure of 
restoring you to your father and mother.” 

^^Tomy — my — ^parents?” faltered Leotine, not knowing 
whether to feel sorry or glad. 

Yes. Mr. and Mrs. Pedro Cassandra. That scoundrel 
had taken your father's name. They live in grand style in 
New York, and have a little hoy named Vascar, whose re- 
semblance to you is remarkable. 


DARKE DARRELL. 


U1 


Leotine listened, her lips apart, her cheeks devoid of 
color. 

They have been looking for you all these years, Darke 
went on to say. ^^They employed me to find you.^^ 

1^11 not — not — like!^'’ stammered Leotine. 

But you will,^^ declared Darke. I never saw a lady 
more lovely and amiable than your mother.” 

I am to be consulted touching this matter,” spoke in 
Mr. Kendrick. ^^My wife will not part with Leotine.” 

I am not surprised at that,” answered Darke, with a 
fond glance at Leotine. Still, she must accord her parents 
an interview.” 

I shall even protest against that,” declared Mr. Ken- 
drick. 

How are you going to prevent it?” asked Darke, a little 
nettled at the other^s positiveness. 

What is it to you?” the latter retaliated. 

matter of ten thousand dollars,” answered Darke, 
with a laugh. That is the amount of the reward.” 

Leotine shot him an indignant glance. He did not care 
about her, but about the reward. And yet had he not said 
that he would never care to part with her letter? 

^^This is hardly a proper place to discuss a matter of this 
kind,” suggested Mr. Kendrick, with a tone and look of 
reserve. 

Just what I thought,” indorsed Darke. Shall I call 
at your residence this evening?” 

Mr. Kendrick hesitated. He was offended at Darke, 
because of his manners and his mission. Both were at 
variance with his boyish face. 

Yes,” he said at last. Here is my card. Mrs. Ken- 
drick shall decide the matter.” 

Darke took the card. 

I hope she will decide like the court would,” he said. 

I donT think any of us have any choice in the matter.” 


DAKKE DAREELL. 


m 

I should suppose that I had,^^ Leotine said. Of course 
I am willing to see my parents. If I do not like them ” 

'^You can run away/" completed Darke, laughing. 

That"s what I would do, if I didn"t like them."" 

"'And yet you would accept the reward,"" Mr. Kendrick 
said, with an attempt to he severe. 

"Certainly,"" replied Darke. "Only to present it to 
you,"" in an undertone to Leotine, who gave him such a 
swift, pleased, passionate look that he could recall it for 
months afterward. 

They separated. In the evening Darke called at the 
residence named on the card. 

Mr. Kendrick answered the bell, and conducted him 
into the sitting-room, and Darke noticed that he seemed 
much disturbed. 

" Leotine has settled the matter herself for the present,"" 
Mr. Kendrick said. " She has run away."" 

"I fancy not,"" a scarcely perceptible sneer in Darke"s 
tone. 

Mr. Kendrick"s face flushed, and he drew himself up 
haughtily. 

"Do you mean to say that "" 

"No, I do not,"" interrupted Darke. "She may have 
disappeared without your knowledge or connivance, but she 
never ran away."" 

Darke was positive, because of that glance which she had 
given him in the store. 

"What is it that you mean?"" asked Mr. Kendrick. 

Just then his wife came into the room, a look of deep 
concern in her face. 

" George, she is nowhere to be found,"" she said, clasping 
her hands, then -for the flrst time noticing Darke. 

" My dear, this is the — the — Boy Detective,"" introduced 
Mr. Kendrick. 

She bowed and shot Darke a keen glance, the expression 


DAKKE DARRELL. 


149 


of her face indicating that she blamed him for what had 
occurred. 

You just now asked me what I meant/^ Darke said, ad- 
dressing Mr. Kendrick. I’ll explain. Leotine has been 
abducted.” 

His listeners stared. 

By some of her old friends — her enemies now,” con- 
tinued Darke. ^^Tim Jordan, the most unscrupulous of 
the scoundrels, has escaped from prison. Summon the 
domestics at once,” he ordered; wish to examine 
them.” 


150 


DAEKE DARRELL. 




CHAPTER XXXII. 

JEFF POTTER. 

There were two domestics in the house, and Darke was 
not long in examining them. He realized that there was 
no time to lose. Mr. and Mrs. Kendrick were surprised 
at the shrewdness and directness of his questions. Had 
he been a party to the abduction he could scarcely have 
put his inquiries more intelligently. 

There was an alley at the rear of the lot, a gate open- 
ing into it; it was a near route to the grocery on the 
street which crossed the alley at right angles. Leotine 
frequently went on errands to the grocery, going by way 
of the alley. She had gone on an errand at twilight that 
evening, and had not returned. She went, or started to 
go, to the grocery, going out of the rear gate. The ser- 
vants had seen a man looking in at the gate, about dusk. 
He was challenged; he murmured a reply, then continued 
on his way. The description of him accorded very much 
with the appearance of Tim Jordan. The house was about 
a block distant from the wharves. The slips were lonely 
and dingy, mainly used for discharging coal, grain, plas- 
ter, etc. 

Darke concluded that Leotine had been seized by Tim 
Jordan and his accomplice^, and hurried to the docks. By 
the aid of a row-boat they could then have effected their 
escape. 

She has been carried off by main force, he announced. 

The man seen prowling about the gate was Tim Jordan, 
a notorious villain, and not in the least kindly disposed 
toward her. I shall set out to rescue her.” 


DARKE DARRELL. 


151 


He took out his revolver, examined it, then returned it 
to his pocket, the movement making Mrs. Kendrick feel 
very nervous, the nervousness increasing to actual terror 
when her husband said: 

I feel it my duty to assist you in the search." 

^^No, George!" appealingly, hysterically catching his 
hands, her face deathly pale. ^^Ko, George! you are not 
called to go. You will be shot." 

Do not be alarmed, Mrs. Kendrick," consoled Darke. 

He cannot be of any service to me; he would only ham- 
per me. The errand may prove to be one of peril, and I 
prefer to face it alone." 

There!" cried Mrs. Kendrick, with a thankful glance 
at Darke. There is no occasion for you to go. He says 
he would rather not have you go." 

Then I yield; but still I feel it my duty to go." replied 
Mr. Kendrick. “ I may afterward reflect upon myself very 
much about it. Fll not know a minute^s rest." 

If I meet with success, Fll communicate with you at 
once," assured Darke. Your mind shall be set at ease." 

Darke bade his friends adieu, and plunged into the dark- 
ness of the street. He visited every grocery and saloon in 
the vicinity, hoping to find a clew, and yet not having the 
least idea in what shape or from, what direction it might 
come to him. 

The last saloon which he entered was of such a low char- 
acter that he almost felt afraid. The men lounging about 
in it were ignorant, thriftless, ruffianly; the barkeeper was 
even yet more ill-looking; he was a little in liquor, and 
hence took no especial notice of Darke. 

The ceiling was low and smoked; the floor was warped 
and strewn with saw-dust; the walls were dingy and hung 
with cheap prints and ragged-edged play-bills; behind the 
bar were bottles containing cheap liquor, arranged without 
any attempt at taste; there was but one gas-jet; it was in 


152 


DAKKE DAEKELL. 


the center of the room, and burned dimly, which Darke 
considered much in his favor. 

The latter sat down in the shadows, and looked tired and 
stupid, though all the time taking a keen and accurate sur- 
vey of every one present. 

Soon he gave a little start, and a bright expression crossed 
liis face, then disappeared. 

In an opposite corner, sat Jeff Potter. Darke was quite 
sure of that; he was almost as sure that Jeff knew some- 
thing about Tim Jordan^s movements. 

Jeff looked rather seedy, and seemed restless. On the 
little pine table in front of him were a glass of beer and a 
plate of crackers and cheese. There was a vacant chair be- 
hind him, and Darke glided unperceived into that. 

He leaned over toward Jeff and whispered the word: 

Precardo.” 

Jeff turned in quick surprise, expecting to see one of the 
gang of counterfeiters and desperadoes with whom he was 
associated. 

Instead, he met the calm, penetrating eyes of Darke 
Darrell. His cheek blanched, and he made a movement to 
rise from his chair. 

Sit still, Jeff,^^ Darke quietly but meaningly said, giv- 
ing his companion a glimpse of the muzzle of his revolver. 
“ I am not looking for you, and so you have no occasion to 
be — be noisy, with a little grin. That was mean of you, 
Jeff, to ‘blow^ on me when I had got into the den.^^ 

^^I donT think so,” Jeff answered, in an undertone. ^‘1 
was not taking any risks.” 

But piled them on me,” and Darke smiled. You 
went back on an old acquaintance.” 

And would agin,” answered Jeff. We’re not in the 
same line. I didn’t owe you anything, on the score of ac- 
quaintanceship.” 

^^But left me your debtor,” rejoined Darke. ^^Jeff, I 



164 


DARKE DARRELL. 


am willing to let you up easily, but there^s a bit of informa- 
tion I want you to give me.^^ 

Fm not ' newsy,' " growled Jeff. 

I want to know where Tim Jordan is." 

And I'll not tell you." 

But I think you will," a dark, meaning look on the de- 
tective's face. ‘^I'm not after him, but after Leotine, the 
girl. He carried her off this evening." 

Jeff's sluggish eyes enlarged. Evidently it was news to 
him. 

want you to tell me where Tim ^ hangs up.' " Darke 
said, in an undertone, but determinedly. If I get the 
girl through anything you may tell me. I'll give you five 
hundred dollars. If you refuse to tell me anything. I'll 
take you here and now, dead or alive," a menacing sparkle 
in his eyes. 

Jeff was a coward, and avaricious besides. He was 
slowly coming to a conclusion. 

^'You'll take me?" he asked. What for? How?" 

^^With a warrant I have. You don't forget where we 
met last, eh?" 

"" My memory's as good as most folks," answered Jeff. 
^"What if I haven't anything to tell?" 

But you have," insisted Darke. 

And the five hundred dollars?" 

Will be paid down." 

By asking you for it?" 

'^It's worth that little additional trouble, isn't it?" 

^"You'll arrest me?" 

“Ho, Jeff. You help me find the girl, and I'll never 
trouble you about by-gones." 

Jeff passed his hand over his freckled face. 

“Have a glass of beer, Darke?" he asked. 

“ No." 

“ It's pesky hot in here, Darke, and the fellers are be- 


DABEE DARKELL. 


155 


ginnin' to watch us. Let^s talk about this matter some- 
where else,” and Jeflf rose and pushed back his chair. 

A good suggestion,” replied Darke. You go on, and 
111 follow. Don^t cross the center of the room. No tricks, 
Jeff, after we are on the street, or 111 put three or four 
bullets into your back, just where your suspenders are 
crossed.” 

Jeff Potter made no reply. He kept along the shadowy 
side of the saloon, then stepped into the street, Darke 
directly at his heels. 


166 


DABKE DAREELL. 


CHAPTER XXXIII. 

IK PURSUIT. 

Jeff Potter turned into a by-street, neither looking back 
nor attempting to run away. He knew that Darke would 
carry out his threat^ besides, he was anxious to earn the 
money which Darke had offered. 

He kept on toward the wharves, but when he reached the 
shadows of a tall, narrow, gloomy-looking warehouse, Darke 
called to him to stop. 

This is as good a place for a talk as any other he 
added. As to talk the less there is of it the better. Hand 
over your pistol, Jeff.” 

“Oh, no,” returned Jeff, “I couldnT do that.” 

“ 1^11 not give you more than half a minute to decide,” 
Darke said. 

Jeff heard the click of a pistol, and at once handed his 
weapon to Darke. 

“ That’s purty rough,” he muttered. 

“You shall have it again,” rejoined Darke. “Now- 
adays I scarcely trust anybody. Now, tell me where the girl 
is, and I’ll keep my word about the money.” 

“I don’t know where the girl is,” declared Jeff. “I 
didn’t tell you that I did.” 

“You can tell me where Tim Jordan is, and that is about 
the same. She is with him.” 

“I don’t like to ^sell’ Tim,” demurred Jeff. “ It’s him 
you are after, and not the girl.” 

“No, Jeff. I’d rather he wouldn’t cross my path. The 
girl was stolen from her parents years ago. There is a re- 


DAKKE DAERELL. 


157 


ward for her restoration, and I^m willing to share it with 
you. Now, Jeff, come right square to business. 

Jeff lifted his hand to his mouth and glanced cautiously 
about him. 

Honor bright, eh?^^ he asked, his freckled face widen- 
ing. 

Honor bright, echoed Darke. 

Then it^s a go/^ rejoined Jeff. I wouldnT want Tim 
to — to reflect on me. He^s aboard a barge. 

What barge?” 

The Fire-Fly.” 

Anchored off here?” 

Two or three miles up the river, opposite the flats; not 
anchored but beached — and so long that she^s little more 
than a hulk now.” 

You know how to find it?” 

I was there yesterday.” 

Did he say anything to you about taking the girl?” 

•^No.” 

Who was with him?” 

Baldy Jones.” 

donT know him,” Darke said. ^^Fm quite sure, 
though, that the girl is aboard that hulk. Youfil row down 
there?” 

^^Nary time,” growled Jeff. ^^Fll git into trouble with 
Tim. I wasnT to show you — I wasnT only to tell you.” 

Any boats to be hired near here?” 

^^In that house,” pointing toward the docks, lives a 
man who has boats to hire.” 

We’ll see if he’ll oblige us,” Darke said, giving Jeff a 
‘slight forward push. ^^Of course you are to show me. 
You might be selling me instead of Tim. Now, just dry 
up,” sharply, for Jeff was demurring. I’m running this 
train. You’re a passenger in it, and you must go all the 


168 


DAEKE DARRELL. 


way through. How many of the gang has Tim got about 
him?” 

I saw nobody there but Baldy Jones.” 

They were opposite the house to which Jeff had pointed. 
Darke knocked at the door, which was opened by a burly 
Jerseyman. He was in his shirt sleeves, and was smoking 
a pipe. 

Have you boats to hire?” asked Darke. 

^^Yes.” 

^^Any of them in?^^ 

Two.” 

^^How much an hour?” 

Two dollars.” 

Steep, isn^t it?” 

And me to row? Guess not. Ain^t anxious.” 

‘^Is there a barge beached up the river, off the flats?” 
Darke asked. 

^^Yes.” 

'^What will you take to row me up there and back?” 
asked Darke. 

Five dollars,” answered the man. Say, your voice 
has been kind of bothering me. Are you a telegraph oper- 
ator?” 

'^Well-^yes,” answered Darke. 

Ah! I have placed you,” and the man grinned. ** You 
are the Boy Detective of Baltimore.” 

^^Hush!” cautioned Darke, a look of surprise on his face. 
^"Pray, who are you?” 

Don’t you remember the railroad accident; the little 
girl; the fellow you made back down; the man who 
spoke in, and wanted to give him a drubbing?” 

Darke recognized his pugilistic friend of that occasion. 

A hearty grasp of hands ensued. 

Don’t I remember, though!” cried Darke. ^^You are 
the man I want to see above a dozen! That counterfeiting 


DAKKE DARBELL. 


159 


villain stole that very little girl to-night, and took her to 
the old hulk off the flats. At least, that is what I suspect. 

Because she kind of took to you that day?” the Jersey- 
man asked. 

Oh, she went hack on him worse than that afterward,” 
laughed Darke. She had found a home at Kendrick^ 
hut the scoundrel carried her off to-night.” 

Kendrick^s?” asked the man. ^‘George Kendrick! 
Blow me if I don’t remember seeing her with his wife, and 
wondered what seemed familiar about her. Well, I say, 
count me in for getting her hack, and never a cent for the 
boat. Say, Mr. Darke, hadn’t I better stick a shootin’-iron 
in my pocket?” 

Yes,” Darke replied. What’s your name week days 
and Sundays?” 

John Chambers, and never ashamed to give it,” bend- 
ing his arm, the muscles coiling up. I saw two fellows 
in a boat to-day, heading for the wreck, and I’ll bet one of 
them was that red- whiskered, cane-carrying dandy.” 

Shouldn’t wonder,” Darke said. 

I guess you’re well enough satisfied I’ve not been fool- 
inar vou, whispered Jeff Potter to Darke. You’ll let me 
slide, eh?” 

Nary slide,” answered Darke, in like slang. It will 
be a jolly row, and you needn’t clamber into the hulk if you 
don’t want to.” 

All right,” consented Jeff. I’ll stay in the boat.” 

Mr. Chambers, the sooner we start the more we will 
make out of it.” 

Just so, Mr. Darke. Walk down to the slip. I’ll go 
through the house, and get the key to the boat, and my 
revolver.” 


160 


DABKE DABRELL. 


CHAPTEE XXXIV. 

FOUND. 

Darke and Jeff hurried down to the dock, where they 
were soon joined by the boatman, who carried a dark 
lantern. 

He for the first time shot a keen glance at J eff . He was 
evidently not favorably impressed with him; for, though 
he made no comment, he curled his nose in a significant 
manner. 

He stooped, unlocked the boat, then motioned to the two 
men to get into it, and they silently complied. Seizing the 
oars, he slowly pulled out into the stream. 

There was no moon, but few stars were visible, and a low- 
hanging mist obscured the opposite shores. 

Now they passed under the bow of some somber-hued 
vessel riding at anchor; anon, they made a wide detour to 
avoid being run down by a ferry-boat; the gas-lights of 
J ersey City grew more and more indistinct, its location at 
last merely marked by a white, mellow, fiickering mist; 
soon they were in sight of the fiats, bordered with reeds, 
and stretching inland to a wall of darkness beyond. 

Not a word was spoken by the men in the boat, though 
they kept a keen lookout in every direction. Presently the 
boatman dipped his oars less frequently and more cautiously, 
and the two passengers knew that the beached barge was 
somewhere just beyond. 

The plan asked John Chambers, the boatman, in a 
whisper. 

Board,^^ whispered Darke, just as sententiously. 

John Chambers glanced meaningly at Jeff Potter. 


DARKE DARRELL. 


IGl 


^^He^llstay in the boat,” whispered Darke. ^^He has a 
few hundred dollars at stake.” 

The boatman kept up his slow, cautious strokes, the eyes 
of the occupants keenly bent forward. 

A dark object loomed up just ahead of them; the out- 
lines grew more distinct; it was the deserted hulk, half 
buried in sand and water, leaning shoreward; no light on 
board, the waves lapping musically against it. 

The boatman lifted his hand to signal extreme caution, 
at the same time bringing the boat into the black shadow 
thrown by the barge, which fortunately was the side which 
offered the most easy ascent. 

John Chambers handed the oars to Jeff Potter, then 
clambering noiselessly up the side of the barge, Darke doing 
the same, and reaching the deck at the same instant. 

Just then the whole deck seemed ablaze. Tim Jordan 
was on the alert. As an escaped convict he could never 
know when, how, or from what quarter danger might assail 
him. 

He stood in the glare of the light, one foot firmly planted 
in front of him, a pistol in his hand. He saw Darke Dar- 
rell, and recognized him. 

^^Hah! I have you now, my boy !” he cried, with an 
oath, a fiendish look on his face. 

As he spoke, he pulled the trigger of his weapon, but it 
missed fire. Before he could cock it again, both Darke 
and the boatman had drawn and presented their pistols. 

^^Have you?” Darke quietly, yet tauntingly, asked. 
•^Eaise your arm, and Pll send a ball crashing through your 
brain.” 

"^Just hand that to me, wonT you?” asked John 
Chambers. 

Tim Jordan flung his pistol to the deck with an oath, his 
teeth snapping in his rage and disappointment. 

John Chambers placed his foot on the pistol, seized Tim 


162 


DAEKE DAKEELL. 


in his muscular grasp, and securely bound him with a stout 
cord, which he drew from his pocket. 

The face and shoulders of Baldy Jones appeared above 
the hold. There was a half -surprised, half -sleepy look on 
his face. 

Step up here altogether, ordered Darke, leveling his 
pistol. 

The ruffian stared, took in all the points of the situasion, 
and slowly ascended to the deck. His first thought was to 
spring overboard, but John Chambers stood too suspiciously 
near. 

It took but a minute to disarm and pinion the ruffian. 

Darke looked down into the hold. 

^^Is there a light down there he asked, addressing 
Baldy Jones. 

** ISTo,^^ answered he. 

Any more of your crew there?” 

Let him find out for himself,” growled Tim. 

I intend to,” replied Darke. I expect to find Leo- 
tine Cassandra in there.” 

Oh, you are after the girl, eh?” a look of surprise on 
his face, his lips twitching. I could never guess how you 
tracked her here.” 

Darke leaned over the side of the barge. 

‘"Jeff,” he called, “just fling that dark lantern to me.” 

Up came the lantern, Darke catching it, and turning ou 
the light. 

“ Baldy,” growled Tim, “Jeff Potter ‘gave us away." I 
always mistrusted him.” 

“ I took him first,” retorted ' Darke. “ He couldnT help 
himself. He gave me no information about the girl. He 
had none to give.” 

Jeff kept well under the shadow of the old hulk, not 


DAKKE DAKRELL. 


1G3 


quite sure that his late chums were beyond the power 
to do him harm. 

Mr. Chambers,” Darke said, I am going below. 
Keep an eye on the prisoners. That one,” nodding to Tim, 

escaped from Sing Sing. There is a reward on his head, 
and I shall not stand in your way about it.” 

‘^Ko fear hut what Fll take care of them,” declared the 
Jerseyman, with a pugilistic strut. 

Darke descended into the cabin, carrying the lantern. 
It was a small, dingy, miserably ventilated apartment. On 
a sort of hammock reclined a form, which, on holding up 
the lantern, proved to be Leotine. 

Her hair was tangled; her hands were tied; there was a 
set, defiant look on her face, and yet she was sleeping 
soundly. 

The light from the lantern streamed into her face, and 
awakened her. When her eyes rested upon Darke, a glad 
cry of surprise broke from her lips. She attempted to lift 
her hands, forgetting that they were tied. To see him 
there was so far beyond her expectation, that she almost in- 
vested him with supernatural power. 

^^You here, Darke!” she gasped. ^^You have come to 
take me away from this horrible place?” 

Yes,” he said, cutting the cords which hound her. 

She looked at the bruised marks on her arms, then flung 
them around Darkens neck, and burst out into hysterical 
sobs. 

How did you find me so soon?” she asked, after recover- 
ing her composure. 

You forget that I am gifted that way,” Darke replied, 
with a smile. 

Forget? Ko,” quickly and emphatically, '^and you 
came at once?” 

Are we not sworn friends?” asked Darke. ^^^All the 
way through/ we said.” 


164 


DARKE DARRELL. 


Yes — yes!” her black eyes shining as he had never seen 
them shine. 

We must go,” he suggested. ^^Mrs. Kendrick is al- 
most beside herself.” 

And Tim?” nervously, apprehensively. 

^^Is a prisoner. You have nothing to fear from him.” 

Leotine sprang to the floor, and they ascended to the 
deck. She kept close to Darke, for it increased her sense 
of safety. She looked at Tim out of the corners of her 
eyes, hut he entirely ignored her presence. 

It is necessary, Mr. Chambers, to leave you with the 
prisoners,” remarked Darke. ^^Fll send some policemen 
to your relief.” 

All right, only so they get here before daylight,” replied 
the Jerseyman. Wake up my boy Joe, and tell him where 
I am. He can take a larger boat. Will not that lantern 
he of more use to me than to you?” 

I propose to leave it,” answered Darke. It will show 
your son just where to bring up. Til send two policemen 
with him.” 

Darke assisted Leotine into the boat, then motioned to 
Jeff to row away from the hulk. 

Jeff complied, but not without grumbling. 

‘‘It wasn’t fair that you mentioned my name when you 
called to me,” he said. 

“I didn’t think, Jeff,” apologized Darke. “No harm 
will come of it. You shall have your pistol and the money. 
Kow pull me home all you know.” 

Leotine nestled beside Darke, and took onQ of his hands 
in hers. She didn’t care to talk, but he knew that her eyes 
were looking fondly into his face through the dimness. 

Jeff bent to the oars; the white, quivering haze came 
into sight; then the lights grew more distinct; next the 
hum of the city reached them; next the prow of the boat 
touched the dock. 


DAKKE DAKRELL. 


165 


CHAPTER XXXV. 

THE CHECK GIVEK TO LEOTIHE. 

Darke remembered which was the boatman^s house. He 
beat loudly against the rear door, which, after some delay, 
was opened by Joe, the son, quite a boy in features, yet 
very much of a man so far as development of frame was 
concerned. 

After explaining to him what had occurred, and what 
was expected of him, Darke hurried off with Leotine in the 
direction of Mr. Kendrick^s house, stopping at a police 
station on his way. 

As he was known there by sight and reputation, his story 
was at once believed, and the policemen instructed. They 
looked at Leotine with more persistency than was polite, 
attracted by the loveliness of her face and the petiteness 
and elegance of her form. She was embarrassed and 
offended, and was quite thankful when they were once more 
on the street. 

Lights were still burning in Mr. Kendrick^s house, and 
the summons at the bell was answered by the entire family. 
Such a touching scene followed the restoration of Leotine 
to her friends, that Darke found his own eyes filling with 
tears. 

On the following morning, after breakfast, Darke pro- 
posed taking Leotine to New York, to which Mr. Kendrick 
strongly objected. 

It is imperative,” declared Darke. You cannot pre- 
vent it.” 

I have feelings that deserve some consideration,” re- 


166 


DAEKE DARRELL. 


marked Mr. Kendrick. compromise can be effected. 
Telegraph to her parents to come on here.” 

I have no objections to that,” Darke said, assenting. 
‘‘Have you any preferences, Leotine?” 

“ I desire that Mr. Kendrick^s wishes should be consulted 
in everything that is reasonable,” she answered. 

“ Thank you, dear,” and Mr. Kendrick bent and kissed 
her on the forehead. 

The dispatch was sent, and before the close of the day 
Mr. and Mrs. Cassandra arrived. They brought little Vas- 
car with them, and his resemblance to Leotine was alone 
almost sufficient to establish her identity. 

Though the meeting was more or less a constrained one, 
the ties of blood spoke out, and the hearts of mother and 
child confessed the relationship. Mrs. Cassandra was so 
loving, kind, amiable, and lady-like, when contrasted with 
Aunt Carlina, and when compared with Mrs. Kendrick, 
that Leotine was quick to decide, in her own mind, where 
her future happiness and best interests would be most likely- 
to center. 

When Mrs. Cassandra was told how Darke had discovered 
and rescued Leotine, her respect and admiration for him 
increased, and she expressed her gratitude in the warmest 
terms of praise. 

Mr. Cassandra was not remiss in acknowledging the favor 
conferred, but was more formal, yet not so much so as to 
cause Darke to feel offended. 

“ You no doubt think that you have earned the reward?” 
he said, to Darke. 

“ I will leave you to be the judge of that,” was Darkens 
reply. 

“I never go back on my word,” Mr. Cassandra said. 
“Here is my check for ten thousand dollars. It will be 
honored on presentation. It is a large sum, but justly 
yours.” 


DAHKE DABRELL. 


167 


Darke accepted the check, seized a pen, and wrote his 
name on the back of it. 

You will make no claim on me in the future Mr. 
Cassandra asked. 

Why should I, sir?^^ Darke stared, and felt indig- 
nant. I have been more than compensated,^^ he added, 

^ coldly. 

In the future you may some time presume ” 

^^NeverP^ interrupted Darke, a little dazed. 

Had he seen the worried look on Mrs. Cassandra^s face 
and the bright red flush on Leotine^s face, he perhaps would 
have had an inkling of Mr. Cassandra^s meaning. 

Darke was a mere boy yet; but in after years it was all 
made plain to him. 

He stepped over to Leotine. 

I promised you this,^^ he said, handing her the check. ’ 
cannot accept it," demurred she, with a confused 

face. 

A look of admiration crossed Mrs. CassandiVs face. 

Pray do not be offended at me," Leotine added, putting 
her hand on his arm. You need it. It will aid you to 
select a profession surrounded with less peril, and more con- 
genial to your taste, I am sure." 

Take it Leotine," persisted Darke. Have it invested 
in your own right. I donT feel quite at ease in keeping it. 
It wasnT the reward which influenced me." 

Leotine looked at him, her soul speaking in her large, 
liquid eyes. 

What then?" they seemed to inquire. Your devotion 
to me?" 

She cannot accept the check," decided Mr. Cassandra, 
with a sternness which Darke could not understand. 

Neither of us wish to be under any further obligations to 
you." 

Pedro!" exclaimed his wife. '^What are you saying?" 


168 


DARKE DARRELL. 


Leotine^s face grew swarthy, her eyes sparkling. Her 
glance at Darke said: 

Father shall not speak for me touching that. I shall 
keep our pledge of friendship." 

Darkens brow grew hot, but he retained his self-posses- 
sion. 

Every past obligation I consider amply canceled," he 
said, with quiet dignity. They were unsought by me. I 
have no intention of seeking any in the future." 

Nor had he — but he didn't know, you see. 


DARKE DARRELL. 


169 


CHAPTER XXXVL 

A CHAKCE MEETING. 

Leotine selected to go home with her parents. Mrs. Ken- 
drick felt sad and lonely for a time, but at last became re- 
conciled to her disappoinment. 

Tim Jordan was returned to Sing Sing; Baldy Jones was 
also sent thither, as an accomplice; Jeff Potter received the 
reward which Darke had offered him; when that was squan- 
dered, he took to his evil ways again, and soon found him- 
self suffering the penalty of the law. 

Three months after the events recorded in our last 
chapter, Darke received a letter from Leotine. It was 
directed to his residence, and was the first time he had 
heard from her. It was short, elegantly written, and read 
as follows: 

^‘Deaii Daere : — As we leave for Italy at the close of the week, I 
could not refrain from writing to you, if only to say good-by. My 
father desires me not to write to you. I did not give him any promise 
to that effect ; hence, though I am acting in opposition to his wishes, 
I am not breaking my promise. He was needlessly rigid, and that 
made him seem unkind. When occasion came, it would have been 
time enough to act. You did not understand him then, and do not 
understand me now. Perhaps I did, and do, for I am no longer a 
child. 

“ Darke, you have been so kind to me that I shall never forget you. 
Never, Darke ! Why, even the pledge between us would not permit it. 
Friends all the way through. 

“ I asked you for your photograph, but you never sent it. I wish I 
knew how highly you prize mine. We shall not remain in Europe 
more than two or three years, so that it is probable that we may some 
time meet again. Wishing you an affectionate adieu, I remain, 

“Yours, lovingly, Leotine Cassandea.” 


170 


DAKKE DAKRELL. 


Darke read the letter over and over and over again. It 
scarcely seemed affectionate enough, yet what right had he 
to expect it to be more so? Why did it make him feel so 
sad to know that she was going to Europe, and to suspect 
he would never see her again? He put the two letters which 
he had received from her, together with the ivory-type, into 
his private desk, and how often he afterward read the for- 
mer or looked at the handsome face in the latter, we are not 
prepared to say. 

Leotine had written that they would remain two or three 
years in Europe. Instead, they remained ten. 

The end of those ten years found Darke Darrell very 
much altered. He was tall, stout, dignified, handsome in 
features, commanding in form, unexceptionably neat in his 
attire. 

He had abandoned the profession of a detective, having 
amassed considerable money, in no wise at the sacrifice of 
his conscience and integrity. 

He had bought a retiring partner's interest in a wholesale 
house in Pratt street, and very few remembered or knew 
that the junior partner of the rich and prosperous firm of 
Beaumont & Darrell was none other than he who acquired 
quite a reputation as Little Darke, the Boy Detective of 
Baltimore. 

He moved in most excellent society, and was esteemed by 
every one who knew him. He was unmarried, and was 
still living with his mother. He had sold the house on Cal- 
vert street at considerable of an advance, and was living in 
a more commodious and pretentious structure in the sub- 
urbs of the city. 

Darke hurried away from the care and hurry of business 
to spend a few weeks at Long Branch. 

While seated upon a veranda of one of the hotels, his at- 
tention was drawn to a lady who seemed to be the center 
of attraction. * 


DAEKE DAEKELL. 


171 


For elegance of attire, gracefulness of movement, per- 
fection of form, and loveliness of features, he had never 
seen her equal. He watched her as closely as politeness 
would permit, and felt himself unaccountably draw^ to- 
ward her. 

Twice she passed him, leaning on the arm of a friend, so 
near to him that he was made aware of additional charms — 
teeth regular, and white as pearl; a sweet, liquid voice, a 
low, fascinating laugh, white, shapely hands, sparkling 
with diamonds. 

Once she looked directly at him with a little start, and so 
keenly that he colored, for he construed it into an intima- 
tion that she wished him to know that she considered his 
stare ill-bred and impudent. 

At the tea-table he caught her eyes again, and deep, 
black, sparkling, wondrously fascinating black eyes they 
were. He knew that she remembered having seen him on 
the veranda, but there was nothing of displeasure or re- 
proof in her glance. 

In the ball-room she stood opposite to him in the dance. 
Once more their eyes met, and a thrill passed over his 
frame. The glance indicated admiration, sympathy, in- 
terest — something more — and that was what puzzled and 
embarrassed him. 

As they passed each other in the maze of the dance, he 
heard her say to her partner: 

never lose a friend through any fault of mine. 
^ Friends all the way through,^ is my motto." 

The words were spoken in a clear, distinct tone. Were 
they meant for him? He felt every vein tingle. He fan- 
cied the mystery was solved. 

The figure completed, she stopped just opposite him 
again, for she was in the same set. 

He looked up, and their eyes met again— a waiting, 
yearning, inquiring look in hers. 


172 


DAKKE DAERELL. 


He bowed. She crossed over and held out her hand. 

You didn^t recognize me, Mr. Darrell, her voice charm- 
ingly sweet, her cheeks reddening. 

^^Not until you referred to that — that — ^pledge, and 
Darke wondered why he stammered. was puzzled, 

though; I was trying to recall. You have grown very — 
very,” he coughed, then stopped, conscious that he was 
very red in the face. 

“Much,” she said, laughing, and completing the sen- 
tence, a twinkle in her eyes. 

“Yes,” assented Darke. 

He had not meant to say that, but was willing to accept 
anything. 

“ You have grown much, too,” the twinkle widening, she 
pretending to stand on her toes. 

Darke recovered his self-possession. 

“ I paused to weigh my words,” he said, “ because it oc- 
curred to me that you might no longer be Miss Cassandra.” 

“But I am,” laughing softly. “Now you shall some- 
time complete that pretty little speech.” 

“ When no ears are by to hear but yours,” growing bold. 
“ Allow me,” taking out his pencil, and seizing the gilded 
and perfumed programme dangling from her chain. 
“Every dance taken,” with a grimace. 

“Never mind,” pacifyingly. “I shall disappear, like 
Cinderella, when the clock strikes twelve.” 

“And 111 be vexed and disappointed as the prince.” 

“To watch for me on the veranda. There — ^the orches- 
tra has been seized with anotlier spasm,” laughing, and 
seeking her partner’s side. 

Darke met Leotine the next day, and the next. Soon 
they were so much together that the other rivals abandoned 
the field. Mrs. Cassandra made no objection; Mr. Cassan- 
dra was abroad, knew nothing about it; hence had no 
opinion to express. 


DABKE DAKRELL. 


173 


Darke proposed to Leotine, and was accepted. His heart 
beat faster when she told him that she had loved him in her 
girlhood, and through all those intervening years. 

The summer passed, but she would not name the day. 
Papa must be consulted, was her invariable reply. 


CHAPTEK XXXVII. 

A MATTER OF PREFERENCE. 

In the fall Mr. Pedro Cassandra returned from Europe. 
In reply to a letter from Darke, he agreed to grant him an 
interview. 

When the two gentlemen met, they surveyed each other 
quietly and keenly, each surprised at the great change in 
each other. 

Darke was no longer a beardless boy, but instead a tall, 
well-formed, dignified man, with hirsute face, clear, calm 
eyes, commanding bearing, self-possessed manners; he was 
tasteful and elegant in attire, correct in speech, honest in 
purpose, and sufficiently conscious of his worthiness. 

Mr. Cassandra had failed very much; a residence under 
his native skies had simply prolonged his life; he was 
stooped, his hair was quite gray, his skin was yellow and 
shriveled, his cheek bones quite prominent; he coughed, 
moved restlessly about, was easily disturbed, lost his patience 
on the slightest provocation, and evidently was near the close 
of his earthly career. . 

He shook hands with Darke a little stiffly and asked him 
to be seated. 

I think that I can guess the nature of your errand,"' 
not waiting for any exchange of civilities. 

""Most likely," assented Darke. ""I have come to ask 
the hand of your daughter in marriage." 


174 


DARKE DARRELL. 


With little hope of succeeding, provided you have not 
forgotten our last conversation/' 

Darke passed his hand over his hair. 

I am generally hopeful," he quietly said. I cannot 
say that our last conversation made any especial impression 
on my mind." 

I had intended that it should," with a faint smile. 

There may have been ulterior objects in your mind 
which were not in mine," replied Darke. I was hut a 
hoy, then, and a little obtuse. I must be a little obtuse 
now, for I cannot see what bearing that conversation has 
upon this one." 

I anticipated this one, and the result," with a haughty 
movement of the head. I distinctly said that you were to 
make no future claims, and you as distinctly disavowed all 
such intentions." 

Darke lifted his head. 

I am not here to present or further any claims," he 
said. 

You are here to claim the hand of my daughter." 

^^Not by any promise, obligation, or indebtedness, Mr. 
Cassandra; nor by plea, except that we love each other very 
much. I simply ask you for her, hoping " 

^^Recognizing my right to refuse?" 

“ Most assuredly." 

Then I refuse," his tone needlessly positive. 

Darke's face changed color. 

For what reason?" he asked. 

I am not called upon to state them," moving restlessly 
in his chair. 

'^At least, you should consult her happiness, to some 
extent." 

To the fullest extent," qualified Mr. Cassandra. That 
is precisely what influenced me. Your happiness is not a 
matter of much concern to me." 


DAEKE DAERELL. 


175 


Darke arose, an angry flush on his face. 

did not come to argue/^ he said, his lips compressed. 

You have not given me an opportunity to plead. If your 
daughter's heart is as devoid of sympathy as yours seems to 
he, she would not be much of a prize, after all. You have 
not done me justice. 

^^Itisn^t a matter of justice, testly, also rising. ^^It is 
a matter of preference. 

^^Is it because you do not consider me worthy Darke 
asked, crushing back his anger and pride. 

I have made no inquiries in that direction. Mrs. Cas- 
sandra, at least, seems to have a high regard for you. It is 
a matter of preference, I said.^^ 

^^Of prejudice,” declared Darke, bitterly. 

Mr. Cassandra waved his hand. 

If so, I have the right to give expression to it. No doubt 
our preferences are influenced, to a great extent, by our 
prejudices.” 

I bid you good-morning,” Darke said, angrily, bowing 
stiffly, 

‘‘Good-morning, Mr. Darrell,” suavely. “Surely you 
cannot charge me with vacillation. As a man of honor ” 

“ Oh, I do not propose to elope with her,” retorted Darke, 
as he disappeared through the door. 

In the hall below he met Leotine and her mother. They 
knew what his errand had been; they read its result in his 
face. 

“ I am sorry,” Mrs. Cassandra said, catching his hand. 
“ Believe me, when I say that I esteem you very highly; be- 
lieve me, when I say that I still consider myself under deep 
obligations to you.” 

“ Thank you,” Darke replied, huskily. 

Leotine followed him to the door. Her face betrayed 
how intensely she was suffering. She clung to him in a 
momentary embrace, tender and passionate. 


176 


DAEKE DAEEELL. 


^‘1 have a mind to run away/^ her lips quivering. 
always was headstrong and wayward.” 

Their eyes met, hers so full of tenderness that he thrilled 
under it. 

^MVe must submit,” he said, his voice unsteady, hut his 
face resolute. 

^^And wait,” she added, her hand tightening on his. 
^^Not long, maybe. Not long, I hope.” 

He looked steadily at her, knowing that she referred to 
her father’s death. 

It is mother whom I love,” her cheeks crimsoning. ‘^She 
favors your suit.” 

was quite sure of that,” he said, feeling more hope- 
ful. 

^^Was father rude?” she asked, watching his face. Or 
— unjust?” 

Bather — unkind,” with a pause. 

Sympathy overspread her face, and her hands tightened 
on his again. 

Did he make restrictions, Darke?” eagerly. ^‘Did he 
forbid your calling on me?” 

No, Leotine. You may have all the restrictions placed 
on yourself.” 

He knows me better than that,” a flash in her eye. I 
chafe under bonds; I burst them. We can still see each 
other. At least, when mother is present.” 

I am pained, but not disheartened,” Darke said, kissing 
her. What can be your father’s reason?” 

^^He did not give any,” her eyes on his face. ^^A mere 
prejudice, perhaps.” 

He said it was a matter of preference.” 

^^Oh, he did!” her face widening. '^That he did not 
prefer you at all, or that he preferred somebody else far 
more? There is a young nobleman in Italy whom he wants 
me to marry. What a pity that I, too, should presume to 


DARKE DARRELL. 


177 


have preferences/^ with a gay little laugh. Do not be un- 
easy, Darke. I"ll not alter my mind/^ with a shrug, and a 
glance of so much tenderness that he forgot for a few mo- 
ments how coldly he had been received by her father. 


CHAPTER XXXVIII. 

A WEDDIKG. 

Two more surprises were in store for Darke — one of them 
entirely unanticipated. 

His partner suddenly announced to him, in the office, 
one morning, that he had sold out his interest in the busi- 
ness. 

^^Sold out!^’ repeated Darke, with a stare. Surely you 
should have consulted me. I would have bought out your 
share. 

You hadnT capital enough, rejoined Mr. Beaumont. 

I could have borrowed it,^^ suggested Darke. 

That is a bad way to do business,” and his partner shook 
his head. I have always been too conscientious to risk 
other people^s money.” 

I confess that I am quite taken by surprise,” declared 
Darke. I had not the least idea that you wanted to retire 
from the business.” 

^^I have made money enough,” and Mr. Beaumont 
laughed. * 

^"I could have found a purchaser with whom my re- 
lationships would have been cordial, or at least congenial.” 

^^You judge your new partner without having his ac- 
quaintance. Why, you have not even made any inquiries 
about him.” 

For' want of time, Mr. Beaumont. I shall put a few 
inquiries now. Is he an old man?” 


178 


DAKKE DARRELL. 


Old enough to be your father/^ a slight twinkle in 
ihe corners of his eyes. 

‘^^Any knowledge of the business 

‘^None whatever. You can cheat him with his eyes 
open/^and Mr. Beaumont laughed. 

^^What is his name?” 

It is as euphonious as your own. He will be here in 
an hour, and 111 introduce him to you.” 

Darke made two or three turns around the office. 

^^Mr. Beaumont,” he said, ^^this irritates me. It 
makes me feel unsettled. My relations with you were so 
pleasant ” 

And so were mine with you,” interrupted his partner. 

I yielded only after the most persistent solicitation. Be- 
fore the close of the day your mind will be quite at ease 
again.” 

Darke sat down, lit a cigar, then watched the smoke as it 
coiled away. 

He remembered that he had several times noticed a gen- 
tleman in earnest conversation with Mr. Beaumont. An 
elderly gentleman, tall, erect, gray-haired, sharp-featured, 
keen-eyed, sun-browned. He remembered having passed 
him on the stair-way, and that their eyes had met. He 
confessed that he had rather liked his appearance, though, 
of course, that did not give him an insight into his 
disposition, capacities, or character. 

Within the hour the gentleman called, and an introduc- 
tion ensued. 

It seemed to Darke that no name had been used but his. 

I didnl quite catch the name, Mr. Beaumont,” he re- 
minded. 

Darrell,” answered the stranger, John Darrell.” 

Darke seemed rooted to the spot. 

John Darrell?” he repeated, a little dazed. 


DARKE DARRELL. 


179 


Darrell & Son. ■ It will sound well;^^ and Mr. Beau- 
mont seemed to enjoy Darkens bewilderment. 

You once called me father, and with much disrepect, 
because so deserved, said Mr. Darrell, senior. I am not 
surprised that you do not know me, and scarcely surprised 
tiiat you do not recall me. I left no pleasant memories of 
me with you. I ran away, leaving you and your mother to 
shift for yourselves. It was cowardly, but it proved my 
salvation. I quit drinking. I recovered my will, my 
nerves, my manhood. I regained my standing in society; 
I prospeied; I made money; I saved it; I have returned to 
regain something more that I had lost — the love of my wife 
and the esteem of my son.” 

bent his head, his voice shaking with emotion. 

Darke remembered his voice, his features. He seemed, 
indeed, like another man. His story was tersely and frankly 
told. Darke was strangely stirred. 

I esteem you already,” he said, grasping his father^s 
hand. ^^But mother? She knows nothing of this?” 

Nothing.” And John Darrell lifted his face. ^^It 
will be as much a surprise to her. Ah! I am afraid she 
will not receive me as kindly as you have.” 

^‘She believes you dead,” Darke said. ^^You never 
wrote to her. That was for the best, maybe.” 

“ It should make some difference whether I come back a 
drunkard still, to sponge on her, to worry, disgrace ” 

It makes all the difference in the world,” interrupted 
Darke, earnestly. I know she will receive you graciously. 
But you must not come. upon her too suddenly.” 

will leave you to prepare the way,” Mr. Darrell said. 
^^She is well?” 

^^And happy.” 

For which she is indebted to you. Darke, I am very 
proud of you.” 


180 


DAEKE DAKEELL. 


His face shone with gratification, and tears trickled down 
his cheeks. Darke caught his hand and pressed it. 

The preliminaries of partnership were settled and the 
papers signed. Darke laughingly observed that the name 
of the hrm should be Darke Darrell & Father,” inasmuch 
as he had taken the old gentleman into the business. 

Mrs. Darrell received her husband with kindness; and 
when she saw how gentlemanly he was, and how thorough 
his reformation, much of her old fondness for him re- 
turned. 

A year went by and the new firm prospered. Mr. Pedro 
Cassandra, his wife, and Leotine, went to Italy again. 
Darke corresponded with Leotine, but had not heard from 
her for six months, a remissness which troubled him a good 
deal. 

Had she found some one whom she loved better? Had 
she been forced to accept some suitor designated by her 
father? 

Three more months went by, then Darke received the 
other surprise at which we hinted. 

A lady entered the counting-house. She was dressed in 
deep mourning, and was closely vailed. She asked to see 
Mr. Darrell, and was conducted to the desk of Mr. John 
Darrell. 

I beg pardon,” she said, not removing her vail, her 
voice low and sweet; ""this is not the Mr. Darrell I wished 
to see.” 

"" Oh, my son, you mean,” said Mr. Darrell, senior. ""He 
will be here in a few moments. Pray be seated.” ' 

She took a chair, feeling a little bewildered. She had 
never heard Darke say anything about his father. 

""A nice old gentleman,” was her mental comment. 
She said, aloud: ""Your son, sir, if his name is Darke 
Darrell.” 

""That it is, madam. Ah, here he comes.” 


DARKE DARRELL. 


181 


Darke entered. The lady rose and removed her vail. 

^^Mrs. Cassandra!” he exclaimed, with a start, seizing 
her hand. ^^You are in mourning!” with fresh trepida- 
tion. Surely, Leotine 

Is well, and at the hotel. We came back from Italy 
yesterday. We will never go thither again,” her handker- 
chief to her eyes. 

You returned without Mr. Cassandra,” Darke said, his 
tone indicating that he understood her bereavement. 

Yes, Mr. Darrell. He spoke of you just before he died. 
He declared himself perfectly satisfied to trust Leotine’s 
happiness in your hands. My desires you knew long ago.” 

Darkens face became illuminated, and he replied with a 
grateful pressure of the hand. 

He introduced her to his father. 

Leotine expects you to call this evening,” she said, as 
she dropped her vail. / 

It will seem a very long afternoon,” was Darkens gallant 
reply, his face aglow with the thought that his patient 
waiting was to be rewarded at last. 

Five weeks afterward there was a wedding, and Darke 
Darrell and Leotine Cassandra were the happy couple. 


[the end.] 


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